Lawmakers react to shooting, killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk

Leaders on both sides are reacting after Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Wednesday at an event at Utah Valley University.

On social media, President Donald Trump sent his sympathies to his family.

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!

Vice President JD Vance

In a post on X, Vance said

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.

Sen. James Lankford

Oklahoma Senator James Lankford shared a statement on social media saying,

Join Cindy and me in praying for Charlie Kirk, his family, and the students right now in Utah.

Gov. Kevin Stitt

On X, Stitt said that he is praying for Kirk's family. He also announced that he has ordered all flags in Oklahoma to be flown at half-staff.

I’ve ordered all flags in Oklahoma to half-staff to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. Charlie’s memory, that of a tireless champion for freedom, shall never die.

Rep. Markwayne Mullin

On social media, Sen. Markwayne Mullin said,

Our hearts are broken today. Charlie was a true friend, a fearless patriot, and a loving husband and father. God bless the Kirk Family and all who knew @charliekirk11.

Rep. Kevin Hern

The Republican Policy Committee Chairman released the following statement after the death of Charlie Kirk.

“Political violence is meant to silence the voice and will of the people. Rest assured, anyone who has heard of Charlie Kirk, knows that the movement he inspired will never let the evil actions of a coward stop the advancement of civility, liberty, and patriotism that he helped ignite,” said Chairman Hern.

“Charlie was a faithful Christian and a principled patriot who often engaged with people he disagreed with in a productive and passionate way. He supported spirited, but peaceful, debate and played an important role in recruiting young voters to the conservative movement. Political violence was the complete opposite of what Charlie professed, yet it has become commonplace in America today. It is inspired by people who hate liberty, who despise freedom, and who will attack anyone who brings decency and time-tested values back to our culture.”

Chairman Hern continued, “As a believer, I am comforted that Charlie is now with His Creator and that he lived a life of purpose in his years spent here on earth. Our hearts and prayers need to be focused on lifting up Charlie’s beautiful family and loved ones that he leaves behind.”

Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut

“We are all horrified watching the images and following the news out of Utah, and we are sending all of our thoughts to Mr. Kirk, to his family, to survivors there,” he said from the Senate floor.

Rep. Ro Khanna of California

“The shooting of Charlie Kirk at a university is chilling & horrific. Political violence has no place in America. We all must reflect on how we can tone down the anger & hate that has poisoned our politics and be better citizens in a divided and aching nation.”

Republican Senate Leader John Thune of South Dakota:

“There is no place in our country for political violence. Period, full stop.”

Former President Barack Obama shared a message to X, saying,

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.