In response to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a number of political figures from both sides of the aisle have offered condolences and condemned the act of violence.
Republican and Conservative Reactions
President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, was among the first to announce the death, calling Kirk “The Great, and even Legendary,” and stating that “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.” He has also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff. Donald Trump Jr. directly addressed Kirk on social media, writing: “I love you brother. You gave so many people the courage to speak up and we will not ever be silenced.” Vice President JD Vance wished Kirk “eternal rest.” House Speaker Mike Johnson called Kirk a “close friend and confidant” who “will be sorely missed.” Former Vice President Mike Pence referred to Kirk as a “truly good man” and said he and his wife are praying for his family. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said that “all of us must now dedicate ourselves to defeating the evil that stole Charlie from this world.” Other prominent Republicans who have expressed condolences include Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Senator Mike Lee, Senator John Thune, and Congressman Dan Crenshaw.
Democratic and Bipartisan Reactions
Political violence was widely condemned by Democrats as well. Former President Joe Biden posted on social media, “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now.” Former Vice President Kamala Harris stated she was “deeply disturbed” by the shooting and that “political violence has no place in America.” California Governor Gavin Newsom described the attack as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible” and urged a rejection of “political violence in EVERY form.” House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Senator Bernie Sanders also condemned the violence, with Pelosi calling it “reprehensible.”
