Arizona Senate leader seeks to rename highway after Kirk

Spread the love

An Arizona state legislator wants to honor Charlie Kirk.

Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, has announced his intentions to introduce a bill during the next legislative session that would rename State Route 202 as the Charlie Kirk Memorial Loop 202.

Petersen, who did not respond to a request by The Center Square for comment, said in a press release that his bill “ensures” that Kirk’s faith, influence on young Americans, and devotion to God, family, and country will never be forgotten.

“Wednesday, September 10, 2025, will forever be noted in history as a dark day where evil in its truest form was on full display,” said Petersen in a press release.

A Christian evangelist and conservative activist, Kirk was shot and killed Sept. 10 during an appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem. Kirk was 31 years old.

Police arrested 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson of Utah and charged him with seven counts including the capital crime of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing bodily harm, obstruction of justice and witness tampering.

Prosecutors are also seeking the death penalty.

“Charlie Kirk was assassinated in cold blood by a cowardly terrorist and was targeted for his influence, but we must press forward,” said Petersen. “While Charlie Kirk cannot be replaced, this effort can make sure his legacy lives on.”

Born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Kirk went on to found Turning Point USA, which is headquartered in Phoenix. An annual event known as America Fest is also held in Phoenix. Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, said in a televised statement that America Fest will go on as planned Dec. 18-21.

Meanwhile, Petersen will be pushing his legislation to honor Charlie Kirk, who was an Arizona resident.

“We all have a role to play in carrying on Charlie’s legacy,” said Petersen. “Renaming this highway is a small step toward honoring Charlie’s immense contribution, but it is also a call for each of us to press on in faith, to live courageously for Jesus, and to stand firm in the principles Charlie so boldly championed.”

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

lake land college.3

Lake Land College Board Approves 3% Pay Raises, New Salary Structure for Staff

Many full-time and part-time employees at Lake Land College will see a 3% salary increase starting July 1, following a vote by the Board of Trustees to approve base salary...
lake land college.1

Lake Land College Backs 12-Year Extension for Mattoon’s Midtown TIF District

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees has thrown its support behind a 12-year extension for the City of Mattoon's Midtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment Project Area, a move...
Lake Land Effingham Tech Center.1

Lake Land College Celebrates Grand Opening of New Effingham Technology Center

Lake Land College officially opened the doors to its new Effingham Technology Center on Wednesday evening, welcoming hundreds of community members to explore the 100,000-square-foot facility that represents a major...
Eastern_Illinois_Panthers_logo.svg

EIU Leads OVC With 48 Academic Medal Of Honor Winners

On Friday it was announced that 349 Ohio Valley Conference student-athletes have earned the OVC Academic Medal of Honor for the 2024-25 academic year. It marks the second-highest total in...
Clark County Logo

Suncode Energy Pitches Six-Part Community Solar Project Near Martinsville

Suncode Energy outlined plans for its Summit Project at a public hearing on June 10, presenting a "community solar" model that differs from traditional utility-scale developments. The project, located on...
Clark County Logo

Meeting Briefs: Clark County Public Hearing for June 10, 2025

County Cites New Ordinance for Solar Hearing: Chairman Rex Goble clarified that the public hearing was required under the county’s new solar siting ordinance. This ordinance was not in place for...
Clark County Logo

Clark County Residents Challenge Solar Developers on Farmland, Finances, and Future

A public hearing on two proposed solar energy projects became a forum for resident anxieties on Tuesday, June 10, as citizens pressed developers about the long-term impact on prime farmland,...
Rich Schelsky of Rockville, IN, smiles after sinking the winning putt in a playoff to capture his first Casey Open title on Sunday. Schelsky shot a 68.

Schelsky Wins 75th Casey Open in Playoff Thriller

Rich Schelsky of Rockville, IN, smiles after sinking the winning putt in a playoff to capture his first Casey Open title on Sunday. Schelsky shot a...
Meeting Briefs

Casey-Westfield Meeting Summary: Board Saves on Insurance, Approves Major Purchases

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education made several significant financial decisions at its June 23, 2025, meeting, including approving a new insurance package that will save over $52,000 and...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

Casey-Westfield School Board Adopts Amended Budget, Locks in Fuel Prices

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education formally adopted its amended budget for the 2025 fiscal year following a brief public hearing where no comments were offered. The hearing was...
Residents Enjoy Matt Poss.7

Matt Poss Band Delights Crowd in Casey’s Central Park

The heart of Casey was alive with the sound of southern rock and country music last night, as residents gathered in Central Park for a live performance by the Matt...
Mary-Boyd-Hippler-1753436721

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Mills) Boyd Hippler

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Mills) Boyd Hippler, age 72, of Casey, IL, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025—dancing with friends in Arthur, IL. Betty was born on February 13, 1953,...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Board Approves Over $74,000 in Facility Upgrades, Equipment

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a series of proposals Monday totaling over $74,000 for concrete repairs, new kitchen equipment, and HVAC upgrades across multiple district buildings. The...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

School District Buys Tractor to Curb Outsourcing Costs, Projects Future Savings

The Casey-Westfield school district is investing in its own maintenance capabilities with the purchase of a compact tractor, a move officials say will reduce costly rentals and contractor fees for...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield School District to Save Over $52,000 on Insurance Premiums

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a new insurance package for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that will save the district more than $52,000 compared to the current year's...