Reactions to far-right activist Charlie Kirk’s death pour in across the political world

Charlie Kirk, the far-right activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University, authorities confirmed. The attack sent the Orem campus into lockdown and left students scrambling for safety.

Kirk, 31, has long been one of the right’s most visible activists and a defining figure in drawing young people to the conservative movement. He was shot while addressing students during his “American Comeback Tour.”

A graphic video circulating online showed him mid-sentence when a single gunshot rang out, striking him in the neck. Panic spread through the outdoor quad as students ducked for cover. President Donald Trump confirmed he died of his injuries, while the university was placed on lockdown as authorities searched for the suspected gunman.

Kirk cultivated national influence by attacking queer rights, targeting transgender people, and framing equality as a threat to American values.

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups respond

Civil rights organizations weighed in, emphasizing both the dangers of political violence and the damage Kirk’s rhetoric inflicted.

“Political violence is unacceptable and gun violence is an epidemic from coast to coast that needs urgent action. Reforms to reduce gun violence are supported by a majority of Americans. No one should have to fear for their lives because of who they are," a GLAAD spokesperson said in a statement to The Advocate. "It is also a demonstrable fact that Charlie Kirk spread infinite amounts of disinformation about LGBTQ people. Lies and vitriol about transgender people were a frequent part of his rhetoric and events. We need leaders and all those with platforms to prioritize safety over disinformation, irresponsible politics, and profit.”

GLAAD stressed the extent to which Kirk and Turning Point USA promoted anti-LGBTQ+ narratives. The group highlighted Turning Point’s college campus campaigns featuring speakers such as Riley Gaines, Chloe Cole, and Pastor Junsun Yoo, who regularly spoke against transgender people.

Turning Point also co-organized, alongside the far-right Proud Boys, a Tennessee rally dubbed “Teens Against Gender Mutilation” that opposed evidence-based transgender health care. Chapter leaders claimed “transgender does not exist.”

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, released a statement from President Kelley Robinson.

“Political violence is unacceptable and has no place in this country," she said in a statement to The Advocate. "We cannot ever accept this epidemic of gun violence as normal. We cannot keep living like this.”

Kirk’s death has triggered a rare moment of near-unanimous response from the country’s political class. Past presidents, lawmakers across the aisle, and public figures who often opposed Kirk’s rhetoric have denounced the violence, urged calm, and offered condolences to his wife and two young children.

Former President Joe Biden

“There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris

“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.”

Former President Barack Obama

“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.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

“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.”

Former Sec. of Transportation Pete Buttigieg

“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.”

New York Times columnist Ezra Klein

“It's ghoulish to mock or justify the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Rising political violence is a horror of our time. Unchecked it will lead to catastrophes none of us want to imagine. Deeply hoping he pulls through. We are all people, whatever we believe. That has to come first.”

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi

“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 UVU community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence.”

Former Sen. Mitt Romney

“The shooting of Charlie Kirk has shocked and sickened me and my family. We extend our prayers and profound sorrow to Charlie and his family, many friends and followers. Another senseless act of violence appalls us.”

Sen. Ruben Gallego

“Beyond politics Charlie Kirk was someone’s father, husband and son. Remember that first, before engaging in whataboutism. His family will never be the same. Political violence has to stop by all sides.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders

"Political violence has no place in this country. We must condemn this horrifying attack. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family."

New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani

“I'm horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah. Political violence has no place in our country.”

Speaker of the House Hakeem Jeffries

"Political violence is NEVER acceptable. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family."