Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed Wednesday, shot from what appears to be long range, while speaking at a Utah Valley University event. As news of his shooting and then confirmation of his death spread, politicians spoke out about the latest instance of public gun violence in America.
In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, area police confirmed that a person of interest is in custody but indicated they are still searching for the suspect.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM,” President Donald Trump shared on Truth Social.
Later Wednesday evening, Trump released a video in which he blamed unspecified “rhetoric of the radical left” for the killing. “My admin will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity,” Trump added.
It must be noted that no evidence was presented for this, that the shooter remains at large and that as of this writing nothing is know about who the shooter is or what motivated them. It’s worth noting that in June, when a right wing assassin disguised as a police officer targeted several Democratic politicians and organizations in Minnesota, murdering a state legislator and her husband and wounding another legislator and his wife, Trump expressed no such outrage and rejected even contacting Gov. Tim Walz about the murders.
“Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour,” Vice President JD Vance said in his own statement.
“There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones,” former President Joe Biden wrote.
Former president Barack Obama also commented, writing, “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
Former president Bill Clinton said he is “saddened and angered by Charlie Kirk’s murder. And I hope we all go through some serious introspection and redouble our efforts to engage in debate passionately, yet peacefully. Hillary and I are keeping Erika, their two young children, and their family in our prayers.”
And with comments from George W. Bush, all living former U.S. presidents have now weighed in. ““Today, a young man was murdered in cold blood while expressing his political views. It happened on a college campus, where the open exchange of opposing ideas should be sacrosanct. Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public square. Members of other political parties are not our enemies; they are our fellow citizens. May God bless Charlie Kirk and his family, and may God guide America toward civility,” Bush said.
“Instead of the angry finger-pointing,” Jimmy Kimmel wrote on Instagram, “can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human being? On behalf of my family we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.”
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X.
“Prayers for Charlie Kirk. An incredible Christian, American and human being. May the healing hand of Jesus Christ be upon him,” Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth added.
“Horrific to hear that Charlie Kirk was shot today in Utah. Political violence must be always and totally rejected,” Pete Buttigieg said. “Praying for him and all who may have been injured or impacted.”
“I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family. Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence,” former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote.
Harris’ 2024 running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also weighed in: “An open forum for political dialogue and disagreement was upended by a horrific act of targeted violence. In America, we don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint. I’m praying for Charlie, his family, and his young children.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker wrote, “The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying. Political violence has no place in this country and should never become the norm. I’m sending my sympathies to his family and friends at this time.”
“The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation,” Nancy Pelosi shared. “All Americans should pray for Charlie Kirk’s recovery and hold the entire UVU community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence.”
“We may disagree on the issues, but gun violence has no place in our country,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams wrote. “Our prayers are with Charlie Kirk, his family and everyone else affected by today’s shooting.”
“Political violence has no place in America. This shooting is horrifying, and I’m praying for Charlie Kirk and his family,” New York Sen. Chuck Schumer said.
“The shooting of Charlie Kirk has shocked and sickened me and my family. We extend our prayers and profound sorrow to Charlie and his family, many friends and followers,” Mitt Romney wrote. “Another senseless act of violence appalls us.”
“This shooting is nothing short of horrific. I’m praying for Charlie Kirk and thinking of the students at the event in Utah. Political violence has no place in our country — it’s never OK,” Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren agreed.
CNN’s Brian Stelter called the shooting “An appalling act of political violence in Utah today.”
“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” FBI Director Kash Patel shared in an update. “Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
Videos from the event circulating on social media show the Turning Point USA co-founder and conservative activist taking an apparent impact to his neck, with what sounds like a gunshot ringing out.
The Orem Police Department and a university spokesperson did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
