'Horrific': CA Reacts After Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Is Fatally Shot At University Event

Charlie Kirk, co-founder and CEO of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during a college event in Utah, President Donald Trump announced. He was 31.

"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!"

California Gov. Gavin Newsom was swift to condemn the shooting as Kirk was still in critical condition.

"The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible," Newsom wrote on X at 11:43 a.m. "In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form."

Hours later, when Kirk's death was confirmed, Newsom released an official statement.

“I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate," Newsom wrote. "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 democratic governor raised eyebrows when he hosted Kirk and other conservative figures on his podcast, "This Is Gavin Newsom."

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Six months ago, in an episode titled "And, This Is Charlie Kirk," Newsom shocked his base when he agreed with the 31-year-old from Illinois on the issue of transgender women competing in women's sports.

"I think it’s an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that," he said to Kirk. "It is an issue of fairness. It’s deeply unfair. I’m not wrestling with the fairness issue. I totally agree with you."

Meanwhile, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called for all Americans to "pray" for Kirk.

"The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible. 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."

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.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) September 10, 2025

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she is "deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah."

"Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family," Harris wrote on X. "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."

Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Riverside) said he was "Praying for Charlie Kirk," in a post on X, while Sen. Suzette Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) said she was "Horrified to hear about the attack on Charlie Kirk today."

"My heart goes out to him and his family—lifting them in prayer," she wrote on X.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Silicon Valley) said the shooting was chilling.

"The shooting of Charlie Kirk at a university is chilling & horrific. Political violence has no place in America," he wrote on X. "We all must reflect on how we can tone down the anger & hate that has poisoned our politics and be better citizens in a divided and aching nation."

Kirk, a conservative commentator and activist closely aligned with President Donald Trump, drew swift condemnation from Southland leaders following the shooting.

“The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrific and disgusting,” said Rep. Mike Levin (D-Dana Point). “Violence has no place in American politics. We can debate fiercely and disagree passionately, but we must always resolve our differences peacefully and with basic respect for one another.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed that sentiment on X, writing: “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.”

Rep. Nanette Barragan, D-Los Angeles, wrote, "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."

Sen. Alex Padilla, (D-California), wrote on Wednesdsay that the nation was "founded on the freedom to disagree."

"Political violence has no place in our democracy," Padilla said. "The shooting of Charlie Kirk is reprehensible and sickening. I am praying for him and his family during this time."

Videos shared on social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk seated beneath a white tent marked with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong,” speaking into a handheld microphone. A single gunshot is heard, and Kirk clutches his neck as blood pours from the left side. Spectators gasp and scream before scattering. The Associated Press confirmed the footage was recorded at the Sorensen Center courtyard on the UVU campus.

The suspected shooter has not been arrested, Orem, Utah, Mayor David Young said. A person who was taken into custody by law enforcement at the university where Kirk was speaking was not the suspect, according to a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Videos circulating on social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk under a white tent bearing the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong,” speaking into a handheld microphone.

A single gunshot is heard, and Kirk reaches toward his neck as blood pours from the left side. Gasps and screams erupt from the crowd before people scatter. The Associated Press confirmed the videos were filmed at the Sorensen Center courtyard on the UVU campus.

“We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” said Aubrey Laitsch, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA.

Kirk was appearing at a debate organized by his nonprofit. Just before the shooting, he had been fielding questions from the audience about mass shootings and gun violence.

One attendee asked: “Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” Kirk replied, “Too many.”

“Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?” the questioner followed up.

Kirk responded: “Counting or not counting gang violence?”

Then a shot was fired.

The event itself had already stirred controversy on campus. Nearly 1,000 people signed an online petition urging administrators to cancel Kirk’s appearance.
The university declined, citing First Amendment protections and reaffirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”

Kirk had been speaking at a debate organized by his nonprofit. The appearance was controversial on campus: an online petition urging administrators to block the event drew nearly 1,000 signatures. In response, the university issued a statement last week citing the First Amendment and reaffirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”

Days earlier, Kirk posted on X about the backlash, sharing screenshots of local news coverage of his Utah campus tour with the caption: “What’s going on in Utah?”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.