Stephen Colbert opened Wednesday night’s broadcast of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" from behind his desk to address the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, offering condolences and a blunt plea against political violence.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. He leaves behind a wife and two young children. As of early Thursday, no suspect had been named in the attack.
"Our condolences go out to his family and all of his loved ones," Colbert said. He recalled the political violence of the 1960s and warned that such violence only begets more violence, saying, "I hope it is obvious to everyone in America that political violence does not solve any of our political differences. 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."
Producers and writers had completed much of the show's planned material before the shooting, Colbert said, and he broke from the prepared format to address the news. After his opening remarks, he resumed the program's regular monologue.
The shooting drew immediate attention across media and political spheres because Kirk was a high-profile conservative commentator and activist. The attack took place during a public appearance at a Utah university and prompted public expressions of sorrow from colleagues and commentators across the spectrum.
Kirk founded the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA and had been a frequent presence on cable television and social media. He was 31. Authorities in Utah have said investigations were underway to determine the circumstances of the shooting; officials had not publicly identified a suspect as of early Thursday.
Colbert's on-air appeal reflects a recurring theme among late-night hosts who respond on air to major national events: moments in which entertainers and commentators address viewers directly about violence or political tensions. In this instance, Colbert framed his remarks around a historical memory of political unrest and called for restraint, urging viewers to reject violent responses to political disagreement.
Representatives for Kirk and for "The Late Show" did not immediately provide additional comment beyond Colbert's on-air remarks. Law enforcement agencies in Utah are continuing their investigation.