Republicans, Democrats denounce political violence after Charlie Kirk’s shooting

Legislators quickly rang out after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead on Wednesday afternoon at Utah’s “American Comeback Tour”.

Minutes after the news broke, Democrats and Republicans poured into Kirk’s recovery and condemnation of political violence.

“This is a good time to pray,” Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, said on X, adding that he is monitoring the situation.

Mike Johnson, the House’s Speaker, R-la. “Please join us in praying for our good friend Charlie Kirk.”

“Political violence has no place in our society. I’m closely monitoring the incident in Utah,” Rep. Eugene Vindman, the first Democrat, wrote online.

“Today’s attack on Charlie Kirk is a horrible act of political violence. Pray for his safety and family during this difficult time. We must reject and condemn political violence in all forms,” ​​Rep. Mike Lawler, RN.Y., said in a statement.

Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat in the House and the minority leader of New York, also condemned the violence.

“Political violence is always acceptable. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family,” Jeffries wrote in a statement.

Within minutes after Kirk was shot, the top Democrats and Republicans in the Senate sounded with similar views.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Ruby (DD) spoke to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/J. ScottApplewhite)

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (Rs.D.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.

Kirk also received support from former D-Ariz Rep. Gabby Giffords, who left Congress after being shot and nearly killed in a political assassination attempt in 2011.

Gifford wrote: “Heard Charlie Kirk was shot dead at an event in Utah.

She added that she and her husband, Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz).

D-Calif’s former Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned gun violence following Wednesday’s shooting.

A former spokesman for D-Calif’s Nancy Pelosi House also wished Kirk shot. (AP Photo/J. ScottApplewhite)

“Today’s shooting at Utah Valley University is reprehensible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our country. All Americans should pray for Charlie Kirk’s recovery and continue in our hearts the entire UVU community as they endure the trauma of this gun violence.”

Ellen Treanor, vice president of strategic communications management at Utah Valley University, told Fox News that the suspect was detained after the Kirk shooting.

Meanwhile, a White House official told Fox News that the tragic incident was in the situation room, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio serving as national security adviser.