Leaders across the political spectrum react to fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk
Politicians and leaders are reacting to the fatal shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder and CEO of the youth organization Turning Point USA, is the latest victim of political violence across the United States."The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie," President Donald Trump posted on social media platform 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!"On X, Vice President JD Vance posted a screenshot of Trump's post and added, "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord."Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said on X that he was being briefed. He later posted a tribute to Kirk, saying, "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," he added.Utah Sen. John Curtis told reporters, "This is my backyard. This is very, very personal because of that, and leaves a scar."After the shooting but before Kirk's death was confirmed, California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X, "The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form."On the same platform, Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker wrote that political violence "should never become the norm." State politicians across the country have condemned the killing and the rise of political violence.
