Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died at 31 years old.
President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk died after being shot in the neck while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead, " Trump
wrote on Truth Social. "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!"
Kirk was a staunch supporter of Trump and joined the president on the campaign trail. Trump himself was shot in an assassination attempt while speaking on stage in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024.
Vice President JD Vance also paid tribute to Kirk following his death.
Vance described Kirk as a "genuinely good guy" and a "great father." The vice president
shared a photo on social media of him standing with Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump Jr., and political aide Andy Surabian.
Kirk was well-known for visiting universities and holding campus events, speaking directly with students, and voicing his opposition to gender ideologies and men competing in women's sports.
Donald Trump Jr. highlighted Kirk's powerful influence on the younger generation.
"I love you brother,"
Trump, Jr. wrote. "You gave so many people the courage to speak up and we will not ever be silenced."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented on Kirk's relentless dedication to the country's youth.
"Jeanette and I are devastated,"
Rubio said. "Charlie Kirk's commitment to America's future generations and sense of patriotism will resonate for decades to come. May the Lord bless Charlie and his family."
Political figures on both sides of the aisle have called for swift justice following the shooting.
President
Barack Obama noted a motive still remains unknown but condemned the "despicable" violence, saying on X that it has "no place in place in our democracy."
Former President Joe Biden issued a similar statement about the shooting.
"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," Biden
wrote on X.Former Vice President
Kamala Harris said she was "deeply disturbed" by the shooting, adding everyone must work together to make sure the shooting doesn't lead to more violence.
Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom, notably a Democrat, issued a statement condemning the violence.
"The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible," Newsom
wrote on X. "In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form."
Kirk was a guest on the first episode of Newsom's podcast in which the governor revealed that Kirk had a positive influence on his 13-year-old son.
Minority leader Rep.
Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) expressed similar sentiments, speaking out on X and saying political violence is "never acceptable."
Former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) described the shooting as "reprehensible." Pelosi's husband, Paul, was attacked in their own home by a man with a hammer in 2022.
"Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation," Pelosi
wrote on X. "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."
Majority Leader Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) said there's no place in the country for political violence.
"There is no place in our country for political violence. Period, full stop," Thune
wrote on X.
