OREM, Utah — Reactions are pouring in from the political community after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Kirk was shot about 20 minutes into his presentation in a courtyard in the middle of campus. He was initially reported to be in critical condition; President Donald Trump posted on his social media that he had died from his wounds.
"No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"
Turning Point USA, the group co-founded by Kirk, later also confirmed his passing.
"We ask that everyone keeps his family and loved ones in your prayers," the group's statement read in part. "We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time."
Gov. Spencer Cox said around 3 p.m. that he had spoken to Trump on the phone.
"Abby and I are heartbroken. We are praying for Charlie's wife, daughter, and son," the governor wrote on X. "Working with the FBI and Utah law enforcement, we will bring to justice the individual responsible for this tragedy."
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LIVE: Activist Charlie Kirk dead after UVU shooting, suspect in custody
The Utah Board of Higher Education issued a statement after Kirk's death.
"We are saddened and disturbed by today’s violence on one of our campuses, and stand in full support of the Utah Valley University community at this time," it read in part. "Our hearts go out to Charlie Kirk’s family and all those impacted by the violence today. We believe strongly that Utah’s campuses must remain places where individuals can share and debate differing viewpoints openly and respectfully. Attempts to diminish that freedom have no place here and we will continue working to ensure our students, faculty and visitors feel safe to express themselves."
Former President Joe Biden condemned the shooting in a 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," he posted on X.
Former President Barack Obama did the same.
"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," he said on X. "Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children."
Sen. Mike Lee praised Kirk's work and condemned the shooter.
“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," his statement read in part. "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."
(Editor's note: The statements below were issued before it was announced that Kirk had died.)
"We are devastated by today’s events," a statement from the City of Orem read. "This type of violence should never happen anywhere, let alone in our community. This is in direct opposition to our values, which include family, unity, respect and faith. We are praying for Charlie and his family at this time."
"My heart goes out to Charlie, those in attendance, and their families," Sen. John Curtis wrote in a post on X. "We are praying for his safety and the well-being of everyone impacted."
Sen. Mike Lee said he is following the situation closely.
"Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there," he wrote on social media.
"Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father," Vice President JD Vance wrote.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson also urged the public to pray for Kirk, calling him a "good friend."
Reps. Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy, Mike Kennedy and Burgess Owens all echoed the calls for prayers.
"We will not tolerate this in Utah," Owens wrote.
"This doesn’t reflect who we are in Utah," Maloy added.
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz condemned the attack, saying: "No disagreement, no matter how deep, justifies an attack like this. What happened is wrong, it is dangerous, and it cannot be tolerated... We cannot allow hatred and violence to define who we are. We are better than this." He also said he is praying for Kirk and his family.
Those on the left-leaning side of the political aisle are also condemning the act of violence.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said in part: "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."
“Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Kirk’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," said Rep. Angela Romero, the Utah House Democratic Leader. "Every student deserves to feel safe on campus, regardless of political views. Colleges should be places of learning, discourse and the respectful exchange of ideas. My heart is with the students, faculty, and staff at UVU. The actions of one or a few individuals must not overshadow the importance of civil discourse.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the shooting "disgusting, vile, and reprehensible, saying "we must reject political violence in EVERY form."
Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi posted that “the horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation.” Pelosi’s husband was seriously injured in 2022 by a man wielding a hammer, who authorities said was a believer in conspiracy theories.
Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who suffered a serious brain injury in a 2011 shooting in Arizona, said she was “horrified” to hear of Kirk’s shooting. “Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence,” she said on social media.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who was the subject of a kidnapping plot, said on social media that “we should all come together to stand up against any and all forms of political violence.” Two men were imprisoned for their 2020 plot to kidnap the governor during her first term.
This article will continue to be updated with the latest reactions.
