The assassination of Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, shocked the nation and sparked political debate. Former President Obama offered condolences, saying violence is “incompatible with democracy,” but critics called his remarks “tone deaf,” arguing they ignored hostility toward conservatives.
Democrats defended themselves, with Senator Elizabeth Warren rejecting claims that their rhetoric played a role, instead pointing to Donald Trump’s “divisive language.” Fox News host Clay Travis accused Democrats of fueling a “toxic climate,” showing the deep partisan divide over the killing.
The FBI confirmed the Utah shooting was a “targeted act.” Authorities say the suspect climbed to the rooftop of the Losee Center and fired a single shot into the courtyard, hitting Kirk in the neck before fleeing. Nearly 3,000 people witnessed the chaos, with the shooter described as wearing dark clothing and blending into the campus.
Investigators later found a high-powered bolt-action rifle near campus, now being analyzed for fingerprints, DNA, and ballistic evidence to identify the gunman.
Former President Trump mourned Kirk as a “legendary patriot,” blaming “radical Left rhetoric” for the assassination. The FBI continues investigating the killing as a political attack, while calls grow for unity and justice amid rising national division.