Democratic and Republican leaders are condemning the violence after Kirk was killed during a campus event in Utah.
WASHINGTON — Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died after being shot while speaking at an event in Utah.
Kirk, a well-known conservative political activist and media figure, visited Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” This marked his first stop since the tour’s resumption.
Trump announced his deathin a post on Truth Social.
President Donald Trump
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, has passed away. No one connected better with the Youth of the United States of America than Charlie. He was cherished and respected by EVERYONE, especially me, and now, he is gone. Melania and my condolences go out to his wonderful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we adore you!” – Posted on Truth Social
“To honor Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am directing that all American Flags across the United States be lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.” – Posted on Truth Social
Vice President JD Vance
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. – on X
Former President Joe Biden
“There is no room for this type of violence in our country. It must stop now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.” – Shared on X
Former President Barack Obama
“We don’t yet understand what drove the individual to shoot and kill Charlie Kirk, but such heinous violence cannot exist in our democracy. Michelle and I will be holding Charlie’s family in our thoughts tonight, particularly his wife Erika and their two young children.” – Shared on X
Former President George W. Bush
“Today, a young man was tragically killed while sharing his political opinions. It occurred on a college campus, where the free exchange of differing ideas should be sacred. Violence and hostility must be eliminated from public discourse. Members of other political parties are not our adversaries; they are fellow citizens. May God bless Charlie Kirk and his family, and may God guide America towards civility.” – via the George W. Bush Presidential Center
Former President Bill Clinton
“I’m 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.” – on X
Former Vice President Kamala Harris
“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.” – on X
Senator Mike Lee
“Charlie Kirk was an American patriot, an inspiration to countless young people to stand up and defend the timeless truths that make our country great. This murder was a cowardly act of violence, an attack on champions of freedom like Charlie, the students who gathered for civil debate, and all Americans who peacefully strive to save our nation. The terrorists will not win. Charlie will. Please join me in praying for his wife Erika and their children. May justice be swift.” – on X
Senator John Curtis
“I am just now learning of a shooting on the campus of Utah Valley University during an event featuring Charlie Kirk. My heart goes out to Charlie, those in attendance, and their families. We are praying for his safety and the well-being of everyone impacted. My team and I will continue to gather more information as it becomes available and are closely monitoring the situation. I am grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and first responders working to secure the campus.” – on X
Utah Governor Spencer Cox
“I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today. We will continue to share updates. Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.” – on X
Senator Ted Cruz
“Heidi and I are devastated and heartbroken. Charlie Kirk’s murder was an act of unspeakable evil. Charlie was a close friend; we first met when he was just 18, and Turning Point was a nascent idea. Charlie was courageous, brilliant, compassionate, and powerfully honest. He was a strong Christian who boldly proclaimed the Gospel. Charlie loved our country deeply, and we will forever remember him and honor his legacy. Heidi and I are praying for his wife Erika and their two young children, and all of his family and loved ones. May God’s comfort and love be upon them. May Charlie rest in peace, and may he forever rest in the loving embrace of the Lord.” – on X
Attorney General Pamela Bondi
“FBI and ATF agents are on the scene. PRAY FOR CHARLIE.” – on X
FBI Director Kash Patel
“Rest in peace my friend, conservative titan Charlie Kirk. I am praying for Charlie and his family. His passion for America and fearless leadership inspired millions and his impact will live on in this movement for generations.” – on X
House Speaker Mike Johnson
“Please join us in praying for our good friend, Charlie Kirk.” – on X
California Governor Gavin Newsom
“We should all feel a deep sense of grief and outrage at the terrible violence that took place in Utah today. Charlie Kirk’s murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones. I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate. 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 best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse. In a democracy, ideas are tested through words and good-faith debate — never through violence. Honest disagreement makes us stronger; violence only drives us further apart and corrodes the values at the heart of this nation.” – on X
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
“Prayers for Charlie Kirk. An incredible Christian, American, and human being. May the healing hand of Jesus Christ be upon him.” – on X
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
“Bryon and I are lifting up Charlie, Erika, and their family in our prayers right now.” – on X
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr
“Once again, a bullet has silenced the most eloquent truth teller of an era. My dear friend Charlie Kirk was our country’s relentless and courageous crusader for free speech. We pray for Erika and the children. Charlie is already in paradise with the angels. We ask his prayers for our country.” – on X
Eric Trump
“Charlie Kirk is a great friend and an amazing person! Lara, Luke, Carolina and I will be praying for him, his wife Erika and their 2 children.” – on X
Donald Trump Jr.
“I love you brother. You gave so many people the courage to speak up and we will not ever be silenced.” – on X
Senate Majority Leader John Thune
“There is no place in our country for political violence. Period, full stop. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk.” – on X
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
“Political violence is NEVER acceptable. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family.” – on X
House Speaker Mike Johnson
“Utterly devastating. Charlie was a close friend and confidant. He will be sorely missed by so many. Every political leader must loudly and clearly decry this violence. Our prayers go out to his wife and young children. May he rest in peace.” – on X
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
“The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation. 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.” – on X
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman
“I condemn this in the strongest terms. There is ZERO place in our great country for these horrendous acts of political violence. We must find a better way forward. May Charlie Kirk have a full and quick recovery.” – on X
Senator Bernie Sanders
“Political violence has no place in this country. We must condemn this horrifying attack. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family.” – on X
Senator Elizabeth Warren
“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.” – on X
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
“Rest in Peace, Charlie Kirk. Casey and I are praying for his family. Charlie was a warrior for liberty, and his murder is a tragedy for our nation.” – on X
Senator Mitch McConnell
“The news out of Utah is horrific. There is no place for political violence in our country. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.” – on X
Texas Governor Greg Abbott
“Cecilia and I are heartbroken by the assassination and passing of Charlie Kirk. Charlie’s voice was a beacon for millions of young Americans searching for truth, courage, and conviction. This senseless act of violence has no place in America. Our prayers are with Charlie’s family and his loved ones, especially the two young children he leaves behind. Texas stands with them in mourning and in honoring Charlie’s enduring legacy.” – on X
