WASHINGTON — Political leaders across the United States condemned the shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, which occurred at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
Kirk, founder of conservative youth group Turning Point USA and a frequent speaker at university campuses, was shot while speaking to an outdoor crowd of university students. Video footage of the incident posted on social media appears to show him being shot in the neck, with his condition being unknown at the time of writing.
Shortly after the news broke, high-ranking politicians and commentators from both political parties issued expressions of condolence and called for prayers that Kirk might survive the incident.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” President Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform, TruthSocial.
“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” Vice President JD Vance wrote on X, later adding another message: “Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour.”
Trump’s and Vance’s messages were among the scores of Republicans, including members of Congress and administration officials, who expressed condemnation of the attack.
“Please join us in praying for our good friend, Charlie Kirk,” wrote House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
“There is no place in our country for political violence. Period, full stop. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk,” wrote Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).
Federal law enforcement leaders indicated that their agencies were responding to the incident. “We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. 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,” wrote FBI Director Kash Patel.
“FBI and ATF agents are on the scene. PRAY FOR CHARLIE,” wrote Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
Many Democrats and progressive political commentators also shared in those sentiments.
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,” wrote California Gov. Gavin Newsom on social media platform X. Newsom made headlines earlier this year when he invited Kirk to be the inaugural guest on his podcast, “This is Gavin Newsom,” where they discussed political differences between Democrats and Republicans.
Former House Speaker and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), whose husband Paul was infamously attacked in their San Francisco home in 2022, wrote on X: “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 [Utah Valley University] community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on X: “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.”
“Political violence is NEVER acceptable. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family,” wrote House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
“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,” wrote U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.).
“I’m horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah. Political violence has no place in our country,” wrote New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria), who is the Democratic nominee and current polling leader in the 2025 New York City mayoral election.
Mehdi Hasan, a British-American progressive commentator who has often criticized Kirk’s positions on various issues, wrote: “Horrific news out of Utah. I hope Kirk and anyone else affected are okay. Political violence, and gun violence, is never acceptable, excusable, or justifiable.”
Many well-wishers expressed the gravity of the situation, noting that the shot hit a vulnerable part of Kirk’s body.
“The shot looked real bad, but I sure hope Charlie makes it somehow,” wrote tech billionaire and X owner Elon Musk.
By Arjun Singh
