APALACHICOLA, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of Benjamin Franklin on Wednesday and expressed his support for adding one of Charlie Kirk at New College of Florida.
During a news conference in Franklin County, DeSantis said New College of Florida, a state university, already has donors to commission a statue of Kirk, who was murdered on Sept. 10 while speaking with students at Utah Valley University.
“Basically to symbolize the importance of open debate, particularly on college campuses,” DeSantis said of the purpose behind a statue of Kirk.
Press play above to watch DeSantis’ remarks
Kirk’s statue would not be part of the historical statues that the state is unveiling to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. However, DeSantis said he supports New College of Florida’s idea of adding a statue of Kirk.
“Because what was he doing when they killed him? He was debating, debating students, you know, making the argument, showing how you rely on logic and reason and facts to win these things. And so the attack on him was more than just an attack on one person,” DeSantis said.
The man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested a day after the assassination. He was charged with aggravated murder.
MORE | Suspect in Kirk killing charged with aggravated murder as prosecutor says DNA found on gun trigger
DNA on the trigger of the rifle that killed Kirk matched that of Tyler Robinson, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said while outlining the evidence and announcing charges that could result in the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
Kirk’s murder has sparked firings and suspensions of teachers and city employees over social media posts regarding his death.
Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas also issued a strong warning to educators following what he called “disgusting” social media comments made by some teachers after the assassination of the conservative activist.
DeSantis backed Kamoutsas’ stance.
“No one’s saying the government’s gonna put you in jail for doing that. But I do think it’s a problem that someone you want teaching your kids, when they say that this is something, this assassination should be celebrated, of course not. And so you have teachers in Florida that are getting pink slips as a result of that,” DeSantis said.