Former President of the United States, Barack Obama, has strongly condemned the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a public event in Utah, describing the tragedy as an affront to democracy.
Obama, in a message posted on his official X account, stated, “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.”
The 31-year-old right-wing figure, who led the conservative youth movement Turning Point USA, was shot during an open-air program at Utah Valley University. Dressed in a T-shirt with the inscription “Freedom,” Kirk was responding to questions from students when gunfire erupted from a nearby rooftop. He collapsed with severe neck injuries and was rushed away by his security team.
Utah’s Department of Public Safety labeled the assault a “targeted attack,” explaining that the shooter had positioned himself strategically above the student courtyard. Two suspects were detained temporarily but later released. However, George Zinn, one of the men questioned, now faces obstruction charges though officials maintain he has no confirmed link to the shooting.
Kirk’s death disrupted what was to be the first in a 15-city speaking series scheduled across the country until late October.
President Donald Trump, mourning the loss of his ally, announced Kirk’s passing on Truth Social, praising him as “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.” In a video address, Trump attributed the attack to hostile political rhetoric. “This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today,” he said, pledging a sweeping response against groups supporting such actions.
The gunman remains at large, as law enforcement continues investigations.
0 Comments