Former U.S. President Barack Obama has condemned the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling it an act of “despicable violence” with no place in a democratic society.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obama said:
“We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on Wednesday while speaking at a public event at Utah Valley University. He was addressing attendees under a tent in the campus courtyard when the attack occurred. Witnesses reported that Kirk collapsed after being shot in the neck. He was immediately rushed out on a stretcher by his security team.
Kirk was known as the co-founder and leader of the largest conservative youth organization in the U.S., which he launched in 2012 at the age of 18. He was also a close ally of former President Donald Trump.
The Utah Department of Public Safety described the attack as “targeted,” stating that the shooter likely fired from a rooftop near the courtyard. So far, no suspect has been apprehended. Two individuals were briefly detained but released after questioning. One man, George Zinn, was charged with obstruction but is not believed to be connected to the shooting.
President Donald Trump mourned Kirk’s death in a post on Truth Social, writing:
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead.”
Trump blamed the killing on rising political rhetoric from the “radical left” and vowed action.
“This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today,” he said in a video message. “My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity.”
