NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Political activist Charlie Kirk was supposed to visit the Mid-State as early as next week.
He was set to speak at the Culture & Christianity Conference in Murfreesboro on Friday.
He was shot and killed while speaking at a university campus event in Utah on Wednesday.
"I'm a combination of heartbroken and devastated and fricking livid," said former television anchor Sage Steele, who was set to be a speaker alongside Kirk at World Outreach Church. "I love you, Charlie. I love you, Erika."
Meanwhile, local conservative commentator Steve Gill says Kirk was a prominent figure in the conservative world, despite his young age.
"We were at a lot of conferences and events and things together," he started. "And he was again, the person you saw onstage was the person he was — you know, a great father, a great husband, and he was only 31 years old. His best was ahead, and that's really what we've lost as a country."
Kirk was known for what he was doing when he died: sparking conversations and challenging beliefs.
"Again, whether it's the assassination attempt on Trump, whether it's the assassination attempt on Steve Scalise at a congressional baseball practice, we are seeing these targeted hits on conservative political figures," said Gill.
Gill says whether you liked his ideas or not, they shouldn't have gotten him killed.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at nikki.hauser@newschannel5.com.

I'm so thankful Robb Coles highlighted the Kamer Davis clinic in Hermitage and the hardship that may force its closure. The clinic provides care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and there is no other place like it nearby. You can tell the staff is so passionate about the care they provide. I hope by shining the light on this, the right person can step in and make a difference.
- Carrie Sharp