'Horrified': NJ Reacts After Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead At University Event

Charlie Kirk, co-founder and CEO of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was shot dead during a college event in Utah, according to President Donald Trump. Video from the event shows Kirk falling from his chair as a shot was fired in his lower neck.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy was swift to condemn the shooting.

"Horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk today in Utah. We must unequivocally condemn political violence. Please pray for Charlie, his wife, and children," said Murphy on the social media platform X.

READ MORE: Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot In Utah: Latest Updates

President Donald Trump shared his sentiments after the shooting.

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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!!" said Trump on Truth Social.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also 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

U.S. Senator Corey Booker said, "We must call political violence what it is: evil and an attack on our most fundamental values."

"The shooting of Charlie Kirk today in Utah must be condemned by all. My heart is with Charlie Kirk, his family, and all those who are impacted," said Booker on X.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill said, "The shooting of Charlie Kirk is appalling. I’m praying for him and his family. Political violence is dangerous, un-American, and has no place in our democracy."

The shooting of Kirk also drew swift condemnation from Republican leaders.

Tom Kean Jr., Congressman for District 7, said on X that he was "praying for Charlie Kirk, his family, and the law enforcement officers who responded to the scene. Political violence has no place in our country. The perpetrator must be held accountable."

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli said, "There must be zero tolerance for political violence and harsh punishment for the perpetrators of it. Pray for Charlie Kirk and his young family."

Congressman Jeff Van Drew said, "Praying for Charlie Kirk right now. One of the strongest voices we have fighting for America."

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.

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

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 university confirmed that a “single shot” had been fired and that a suspect was in custody. A university spokesman later told the New York Times that the person in custody was not actually the shooter.

New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin said, "We must speak with one voice and reject political violence of any kind. It has no place in our democracy—period. I pray for Mr. Kirk and his family, as well as the students and members of the Utah Valley University community."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.