Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died after being shot Wednesday at an event at Utah Valley University, President Donald Trump said.
The shooting comes amid a spike in political violence in the United States across all parts of the ideological spectrum.
Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot Wednesday at an event at a Utah college, Turning Point said. A suspect was in custody, the college said.
President Donald Trump, the Utah governor, the Arizona Republican Party and former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords were among politicians who reacted to the shooting Wednesday.
Arizonans react
Turning Point USA:
It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA’s “The American Comeback Tour” campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
May be be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie.
We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers.
We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.
Arizona Republican Party Chair Gina Swoboda
Words cannot describe the shock and horror I felt today when I learned of the senseless and tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Charlie was a loving husband, father and a good friend to many in the Republican Party of Arizona.
Charlie was a passionate advocate and defender of the principles of open dialogue, the free exchange of ideas, and free speech. Values which are at the very core of the American idea. I pray that his loss serves as a poignant and lasting reminder to all Americans of how fundamental these values are to who we are as a country and why we must never condone or excuse acts of political violence.
I know that I speak for all Arizona Republicans when I say that our prayers are with his wife Erika, her children, and the entire Kirk family. May God bless Charlie’s soul.
I am deeply saddened by the news of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I am saddened for Charlie’s family, friends, and Arizonans as they mourn his loss, and I am saddened for our country as our politics have descended into horrific violence. This tragedy is not about who Charlie Kirk supported politically. It is about the devastating loss of a father, a neighbor, and an Arizonan who called this state home, and whose life was cut short by senseless violence. We must stand together in rejecting violence, lowering the temperature of our politics, and recommitting ourselves to the values of civility, respect, and community that American democracy requires.
Our prayers are with Charlie Kirk's wife Erika and Charlie and Erika's children after the tragic loss of a husband and a father. May Charlie rest in peace.
Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego:
This is beyond terrible. Charlie Kirk was a husband, father and son. Violence is never the answer. Sydney and I are keeping the Kirk family in our prayers.
Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords:
The murder of Charlie Kirk breaks my heart. My deepest sympathies are with his wife, two young children, and friends. Attacks against political or ideological opponents are cowardly and un-American, and must be universally condemned.
This summer alone, both Democrats and Republicans have been assassinated in heinous acts of political violence. It’s terrifying, and has no place in a democracy. The responsibility to protect our public servants, political figures, and all Americans is not partisan. It’s patriotic—and long overdue. Congress must take action, now.
Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro:
“God bless American hero Charlie Kirk and his family. His horrific assassination today is a devastating tragedy that strikes at the heart of our nation. Charlie was a fearless voice who inspired millions with his faith, his devotion to freedom, and his conviction to defend America’s founding principles.
This was political terrorism. Violence aimed at silencing any voices must be confronted and dealt with justly and without hesitation.
Charlie is now with his Heavenly Father, but his legacy will endure in the movement he built, the young people he awakened, and the truth he spoke without apology.”
Arizona schools Superintendent Tom Horne:
This is a tragic and despicable act of cowardice that has no place in American society. My deepest condolences go out to his wife and family who have suffered an unimaginable loss.
One of our cherished rights as Americans is the Constitutional protection of free speech and Charlie Kirk was practicing that right when he was cut down by gunfire. That is an attack on all our liberties, and we cannot tolerate this terrible scourge of violence.
Arizona Secretary of State's Office:
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Kirk following a tragic shooting event at Utah Valley University today.
This horrific act is a reminder that political violence has no place in our society. Regardless of our beliefs or affiliations, resorting to violence to settle differences is never acceptable. We must stand united in condemning this attack and any act that threatens the safety, dignity, and freedom of those who participate in public discourse.
In this moment, we call for unity over division, peace over hostility, and dialogue over violence. We reaffirm our shared commitment to peaceful discourse, respectful dialogue, and the preservation of democratic values.
Our condolences are with Mr. Kirk’s family, his colleagues, his supporters, and all those affected by this senseless act.
Let's not retreat into silence or hatred, but rise above violence by recommitting ourselves to the democratic principles of civil engagement and mutual respect.
Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin:
Charlie Kirk's murder is appalling. Political violence is unacceptable. Ascribing 'evil' to political adversaries and resorting to violence is true evil. Domestic terrorism in our midst is a national nightmare. Charlie was engaging with students on a college campus, a forum for ideas. Abraham Lincoln once called upon our country to be “touched by the better angels of our nature.” My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, and all those who loved him.
National reaction
The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 10, 2025
Pray for @charliekirk11, his wife Erika, their two children, and all who were present at Utah Valley University.
— Markwayne Mullin (@SenMullin) September 10, 2025
May God be with them. 🙏
The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) September 10, 2025
All Americans should pray for Charlie Kirk’s recovery and hold the entire UVU community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence.
I am incredibly sad and disgusted to hear of the passing of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was a loving father, husband, and conservative warrior. He was a man of deep faith and dedicated his life to educating people about civil dialogue while passionately articulating conservative…
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) September 10, 2025
Thinking of Charlie Kirk, his family, and the community at UVU after the horrific shooting. We should all come together to stand up against any and all forms of political violence. It’s unacceptable.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) September 10, 2025
Once again, a bullet has silenced the most eloquent truth teller of an era. My dear friend Charlie Kirk was our country's relentless and courageous crusader for free speech. We pray for Erika and the children. Charlie is already in paradise with the angels. We ask his prayers for… pic.twitter.com/ReOdkT6VbV
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) September 10, 2025