Rep. Burgess Owens, who represents Utah’s 4th district in the U.S. Congress, posted a series of statements on September 10, 2025, addressing education policy and a violent incident at Utah Valley University.
In a post from the afternoon of September 10, Owens shared his participation in an education initiative alongside federal officials: “Joined @EdSecMcMahon and @RepWalberg on the Returning Education to the States Tour. Decades of bureaucracy have failed students, only 22% of seniors proficient in math, 35% in reading. Proud to partner with this administration to make American education the best in the world!”
Later that day, Owens addressed an ongoing crisis at Utah Valley University involving conservative activist Charlie Kirk: “Closely monitoring the horrific situation at Utah Valley University. Praying for Charlie Kirk, every student in attendance, and the law enforcement officers securing the scene. We will not tolerate this in Utah.”
In a subsequent post that evening, Owens expressed condolences following what he described as an act of political violence: “Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two young children. May God surround their family with comfort and strength.
There are no words to capture the heartbreak of this loss, the result of an evil, reprehensible act of political violence.
We’ve lost”
Owens has served as representative for Utah’s 4th District since 2021 after succeeding Ben McAdams. He was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1951 and currently resides in Salt Lake City. Owens graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1974.
