Late-night hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel expressed public mourning on Wednesday after Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed at a campus event in Orem, Utah.
Kimmel posted on Instagram, "Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human? On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all of the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence." Colbert, speaking ahead of his program "The Late Show," offered condolences and urged a rejection of political violence, saying, "Political violence only leads to more political violence. And I pray with all my heart that this is the aberrant action of a madman and not a sign of things to come."
Kirk, 31, was shot while attending an event launching his "American Comeback Tour" at Utah Valley University in Orem, according to multiple reports. He had risen to prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA and as the host of "The Charlie Kirk Show," frequently speaking on college campuses and in conservative media circles.
Colbert recalled the history of political violence in the United States and said the country must not return to it, referring to unrest in the 1960s. "Our condolences go out to his family and all of his loved ones," he said. Kimmel’s message framed the shooting in broader terms of gun violence and called for compassion toward victims and their families.
President Donald Trump issued a statement praising Kirk’s legacy and calling him a "wonderful American" who embodied "faith, liberty, and courage." Trump said his administration would seek accountability for those responsible and warned of the dangers of incendiary political rhetoric. "It’s long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible," the president said.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting. Media accounts note that Kirk had become a prominent figure on campuses and in conservative organizations, and his death has prompted reactions across political and cultural spheres, including calls to address political rhetoric and gun violence.
Late-night responses followed a pattern in which entertainers and media figures have framed such incidents as moments to de-escalate partisan rhetoric and emphasize empathy for victims. Both Colbert and Kimmel used their platforms to send condolences and to caution that political disagreement does not justify violence. The investigation and public reaction were ongoing Wednesday, and officials did not immediately release further details about motive or suspects.