California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the shooting death Wednesday of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at an event on a Utah college campus “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
Kirk, the co-founder of conservative youth group Turning Point USA who was a guest earlier this year on the Democratic governor’s podcast, was shot at a Utah Valley University event where he was a featured speaker. President Trump later said in a Truth Social post that Kirk had died.
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” Newsom said in a post on X after the shooting. “In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”
Newsom later issued a statement after confirmation that Kirk, who is survived by his wife and two children, had died.
“We should all feel a deep sense of grief and outrage at the terrible violence that took place in Utah today,” Newsom said. “Charlie Kirk’s murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones.
“I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate. His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse on issues that deeply affect us all without resorting to political violence. The best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse. In a democracy, ideas are tested through words and good-faith debate — never through violence.
“Honest disagreement makes us stronger; violence only drives us further apart and corrodes the values at the heart of this nation.”
Kirk, 31, was speaking under a pop-up tent at the event when the sound of gunfire could be heard, followed by screams from the crowds. He was part of a debate hosted by his nonprofit political organization.
Kirk was removed from the area on the campus north of Provo, Utah by his security team, the school said.
Authorities did not have a suspect in custody as of early Wednesday afternoon, according to Utah Valley University spokesperson Eleanor Treanor. The school previously said in an alert that police had a suspect detained.
Last week, the university issued a statement citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”
Other elected officials, including President Trump, reacted to the shooting.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass post on X, “I’m absolutely disgusted by today’s attack on Charlie Kirk. Political violence in all forms is unacceptable and reprehensible. We must all reject it.”
Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla of California, said the nation was “founded on the freedom to disagree. Political violence has no place in our democracy. The shooting of Charlie Kirk is reprehensible and sickening. I am praying for him and his family during this time.”
Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, said he was “horrified” by the shooting.
“The increasing degree of political violence in this country is a threat to everyone. And it must end,” Schiff said.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said, “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.”
The California GOP posted a brief message: “Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk.”
Rep. Nanette Barragan, D-Los Angeles said on X, “Violence against one person for their views means we allow violence against anyone for their views. We cannot allow this. Political violence CANNOT be condoned, regardless of your party or beliefs.”
Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles, said, “I may not agree with Charlie Kirk on politics, but I am deeply disturbed to hear about the shooting. Violence has no place in our democracy, no matter who it targets or what views they hold. We can disagree passionately without resorting to harm.”
The shooting comes during a surge in political violence in the United States. Recent attacks include the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband at their house in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages, and a fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, who is Jewish, in April. President Trump was shot during a campaign rally last year.
Turning Point was founded in suburban Chicago in 2012 by Kirk, then 18, and William Montgomery, a tea party activist. They sought to bring messages about low taxes and limited government to college campuses.
The message failed to gain traction at first, but Kirk eventually won back from conservative financiers for confronting liberals in academia. Turning Point backed Trump in 2016 after he was nominated on the Republican ticket. He was a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr during the general election campaign.
Krik gained a regular presence on cable TV news programs.
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