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By Mandy Taheri and Jason Lemon
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Former Vice President Kamala Harris, along with other prominent Democratic leaders, condemned the shooting of conservative Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at an event in Utah on Wednesday. President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk died on Wednesday evening.
"I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family," Harris, the Democratic Party's 2024 presidential nominee, wrote on X.
"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."
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Former President Barack Obama posted on Wednesday evening that "this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy."
The Context
Kirk, 31, was the founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, a prominent conservative campus organization. He was a frequent political commentator, often speaking on college campuses and hosting media programs and conferences, as well as a close Trump ally.
The shooting comes amid a broader climate of political violence across the United States, including the targeting of politicians. In June, Minnesota Democratic state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in a targeted political act.
Lawmakers and prominent figures across the aisle have condemned the violence, including members of the Trump administration as well as Democrats such as Harris. Gun control, gun rights and free speech have long been contentious issues in U.S. politics.
Trump has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff "in honor of Charlie Kirk" until 6 p.m. Sunday.
What To Know
Kirk was shot near the neck at about 12:20 p.m. on Wednesday during a student Q&A at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, a university spokesperson told Newsweek in an email statement.
"Kirk was immediately transported by his security team to a local hospital. Campus was immediately evacuated," the spokesperson said.
President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post hours later: "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. 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!"
Many politicians, supporters and other Americans have condemned the fatal shooting. House Speaker Mike Johnson led a moment of prayer for Kirk and his family on Wednesday afternoon.
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What People Are Saying
Former President Barack Obama said on X on Wednesday: "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."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, on X on Wednesday: "Political violence has no place in America. This shooting is horrifying, and I'm praying for Charlie Kirk and his family."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, on X on Wednesday: "Political violence is NEVER acceptable. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family."
**California Governor Gavin Newsom, on X on Wednesday: "**The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form."
Gabby Giffords, former U.S. representative and gun control activist, on X on Wednesday: "I'm horrified to hear that Charlie Kirk was shot at an event in Utah. Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence. Mark and I are praying for Charlie's recovery."
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, on X on Wednesday: "The scourge of gun violence and political violence must end. The shooting of Charlie Kirk is the latest incident of this chaos and it must stop. We cannot go down this road. There is no place for it in America and we wish for his recovery."
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, wrote on X on Wednesday: "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."
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, on X on Wednesday: "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."
Pete Buttigieg, former Transportation Secretary, on X on Wednesday: "Horrific to hear that Charlie Kirk was shot today in Utah. Political violence must be always and totally rejected. Praying for him and all who may have been injured or impacted."
Representative Ritchie Torres, a New York Democrat, on X on Wednesday: "The shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah is an attack on our democracy. Political violence has no place in America, and we must show zero tolerance for it anywhere in our nation."
Representative Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, on X on Wednesday: "Political violence is absolutely unacceptable and indefensible. Unconscionable acts of violence should have no place in our country. Let's pray for no more lives being lost to gun violence."
Zohran Mamdani, Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, on X on Wednesday: "I'm horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah. Political violence has no place in our country."
Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with the Democrats, on X on Wednesday: "Political violence has no place in this country. We must condemn this horrifying attack. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family."
Tommy Vietor, former Obama and National Security Council spokesperson and Pod Save America host, on X on Wednesday: "Political violence is evil and indefensible. It's a cancer that will feed off itself and spread. Charlie Kirk is a human being with a family. Harming him or anyone else for their political views is disgusting and will rip this country apart and hurt everyone."
What Happens Next
Memorial services for Kirk have not yet been announced. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Update 9/10/25, 6 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and a new headline.
Update 9/10/25, 5:40 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 9/10/25, 5:10 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 9/10/25, 4:45 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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