California leaders condemn ‘senseless’ violence of Charlie Kirk’s slaying

California Democrats and Republicans alike offered their condolences following the news that Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist and supporter of President Donald Trump, died Wednesday after being shot at a university event in Utah.

Gov. Gavin Newsom — who spoke with Kirk in March on the first episode of his “This is Gavin Newsom” podcast — postponed an event to tout his ballot measure to redraw the state’s congressional districts in response to the shooting. In a statement on social media, Newsom said he admired Kirk’s “passion and commitment to debate.”

• Newsom: “His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse on issues that deeply affect us all without resorting to political violence.”

The Democratic-led Assembly held a moment of silence in honor of Kirk before gaveling in Wednesday, while other Democratic officials — including California’s attorney general, legislative leaders and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi — condemned the shooting. 

Both GOP leaders in the Legislature also acknowledged Kirk’s work within the party, with Assemblymember James Gallagher of Chico saying that “no one did more to lead the conservative youth movement,” in the 21st century than Kirk.

As the founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk led the “largest and fastest growing conservative youth activist organization in the country,” according to the nonprofit. A firebrand figure in the country’s culture wars, Kirk drew the ire of Democrats over his views on the COVID-19 pandemic, his staunch support for gun rights and his endorsement of Christian nationalism.

Kirk and his organization often toured college campuses, which were sometimes met with protests from students. In 2023, demonstrators objecting to his appearance at UC Davis clashed with police, though a UC Berkeley event the year before took place without incident.

Kirk’s appearance on Newsom’s podcast surprised many, particularly after the governor broke with the Democratic party by agreeing with Kirk that trangender athletes participating in girls’ sports was “deeply unfair.” 

Newsom underscored his complicated relationship with Kirk in his tribute, adding that the best way to honor Kirk’s memory was to engage in “spirited discourse” rather than violence.

From CalMatters politics reporter Yue Stella Yu:

California lawmakers are close to rolling back public access to police misconduct records — just years after expanding it. 

Records of use of force, sexual assault and other misconduct — once difficult to obtain — are now required to be disclosed upon request under laws California adopted in 2018 and 2021. Carve-outs in the state law allows agencies to only redact information that would endanger police officers. 

But under Assembly Bill 1178, authored by Democratic Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco of Downey, when deciding whether to redact records, courts would also have to consider if the officer is working undercover and deserves anonymity because of their duties. 

Supporters argue existing law threatens the safety of undercover agents. But transparency advocates slammed the bill, arguing it risks confusing courts and would allow records to remain hidden simply because of an officer’s role. 

• George Parampathu, of ACLU: “This vague notion that an officer’s duty may demand some level of anonymity … doesn’t absolve them of the responsibility over the harm they cause with their misconduct.”

Lawmakers have until Saturday to vote on the measure.

With the last day of session nearing, let’s dive into some legislative news:

• Deal on environmental and energy bills: Through closed-door negotiations, lawmakers struck a multi-pronged deal Wednesday that would extend California’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction program for the next decade; boost in-state crude oil production; replenish the state’s wildfire fund; and advance a handful of bills further regulating utility companies. Read more from CalMatters’ reporters.

• Right to unionize: A deal made with ride-hailing companies has sent a bill to Newsom’s desk that would allow Lyft and Uber drivers to unionize. But it also means another measure to enable those companies to pay less in insurance coverage for their drivers would likely advance. Read more from CalMatters’ Levi Sumagaysay.

• A YIMBY exception?: Pro-housing advocates notched a win earlier this year after lawmakers approved a measure exempting most urban apartment developments from the state’s landmark environmental review law. But a proposal, introduced Monday night, would make a peculiar exemption from that new policy if passed. Read more from CalMatters’ Ben Christopher.

• Delta tunnel: The Legislature has punted a proposal, backed by Newsom, to speed up the contentious Delta Conveyance Project. The massive $20 billion state water project aims to reroute more water from Northern California southward. Lawmakers representing Delta communities say they are relieved that the proposal is dead for now, but experts say Newsom would likely revisit the idea. Read more from CalMatters’ Rachel Becker.

A U.S. district court judge handed Trump a loss Wednesday, issuing a preliminary injunction that allows states, including California, to continue providing federally-funded public services to immigrants without legal status. The services include benefits such as free preschool for low-income children and shelter for unhoused people. Read more from CalMatters’ Adam Echelman.