Stephen Colbert opened Wednesday night’s edition of The Late Show with an unscripted, somber statement after right‑wing activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University earlier in the day.
Colbert, 61, offered condolences to Kirk’s family and decried political violence, saying it "does not solve any of our political differences" and "only leads to more political violence." He added, "I pray with all my heart that this is the abhorrent action of a mad man and not a sign of things to come." The host then proceeded to the pre‑taped program.
Kirk, 31, was pronounced dead after he was shot in the neck by a person who reportedly fired from a nearby building while he spoke outdoors. Authorities said the shooter remains at large and that the circumstances suggested a targeted attack. Two people were briefly detained as persons of interest on Wednesday but were later released, officials said. The FBI and Utah law enforcement agencies have launched a major manhunt.
Kirk co‑founded the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA and rose to prominence as a vocal right‑wing activist. He is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children, a three‑year‑old daughter and a 16‑month‑old son.
Other television hosts and national figures publicly responded. Late‑night host Jimmy Kimmel called the shooting "horrible and monstrous" on Instagram and extended sympathy to Kirk’s family and to victims of "senseless gun violence." President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death on his platform and later addressed the nation from the Oval Office, calling the killing an "assassination" and praising Kirk as a "patriot" who inspired young people. In his remarks, Trump expressed grief and said the nation was "united in shock and horror," urging prayers for Kirk’s family.
Colbert’s address was appended to the top of Wednesday’s broadcast after the show’s scripts had already been completed. Colbert has been a frequent critic of Trump and Republican leaders; he announced in July that CBS had opted not to renew his contract when it expires in May 2026, a decision network executives said was driven by financial considerations.
The shooting adds to ongoing national debates over political rhetoric and violence. Law enforcement officials have released few details publicly about a motive or the identity of the person who opened fire, emphasizing the active nature of the investigation. Federal and local authorities asked anyone with information to contact investigators as they pursue leads.
Kirk’s prominence in conservative political circles drew responses from senior Republicans and conservative media figures. Vice President J.D. Vance described Kirk as a "true friend" and a family man, and others across the political spectrum offered condolences while urging patience until investigators could provide more details.
Authorities have not released a timeline for when additional information might be available and cautioned the public to rely on verified updates from law enforcement. The case remains under active investigation by the FBI and Utah police, who said they will provide further information as it becomes available.