Former President Barack Obama reacted to the news of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, being shot during an event at Utah Valley University. He condemned the violence, stating, “this kind of sleazy violence has no place in our democracy.”
“We’re unsure of the motive behind the shooting that led to Charlie’s death, but such acts of violence are unacceptable in our society,” Obama mentioned in a post on X. He also expressed his condolences, saying, “Michelle and I are praying for Charlie’s family tonight, particularly his wife Erica and their two young children.”
According to reports from Deseret News, several law enforcement agencies responded by “evacuating and securing” the university as they searched for the shooter after Kirk was shot “in the neck” during a Q&A session with a student.
The presence of SWAT, ATF, and other law enforcement teams was noted as they conducted a manhunt for the suspect.
While covering Kirk’s event, Deseret News reporters Emma Pitts and Eva Terry mentioned that roughly 20 minutes after Kirk’s arrival, during the Q&A, gunfire was heard, which appeared to strike Kirk in the neck.
Pitts described Kirk as having “looked upset” before he seemingly lost consciousness.
Other Democratic leaders, including Senator John Fetterman and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, also shared their thoughts, expressing prayers for Kirk’s family and calling for a reduction in “temperature” in political discourse.
“Our family is heartbroken for Charlie Kirk’s family,” Fetterman stated in a post. “We need to discover ways to move forward together in these polarized times.”
Adams reflected on a recent interview with Kirk, describing him as a “passionate young man who loved his country.” He expressed devastation over Kirk’s assassination, stating, “Political violence has no place in our nation. We must come together against hatred. My thoughts are with Charlie’s loved ones.”
Former President Joe Biden also weighed in, emphasizing, “We have no tolerance for this kind of violence in our country. It must stop immediately. Jill and I are keeping Charlie’s family and close ones in our thoughts.”
President Donald Trump has ordered that all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff until Sunday evening in honor of Kirk, whom he called an “American Patriot.”
