Lawmakers from both parties swiftly condemned political violence and offered prayers after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities at the university said a suspect was in custody. The shooting took place as Kirk was appearing on his “American Comeback Tour,” and news of the attack prompted immediate responses from Capitol Hill leaders and former officials across the political spectrum.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, wrote on X that "this is a good time to pray," and said he was monitoring the situation. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., asked the public to join in prayer for Kirk, writing, "Please join us in praying for our good friend, Charlie Kirk."
Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-Va., said online that "political violence has NO place in our society" and added that he was closely monitoring events in Utah. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., called the attack "a horrific act of political violence" and said he was praying for Kirk and his family.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., wrote that "political violence is NEVER acceptable" and offered his thoughts and prayers. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said on X, "There is no place in our country for political violence. Period, full stop. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., also condemned the shooting and said he was praying for Kirk and his family.
The shooting drew statements from figures outside elected office as well. Former Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., who survived an assassination attempt in 2011, said she was "horrified to hear that Charlie Kirk was shot at an event in Utah," and added that democratic societies must never confront disagreements with violence. Giffords and her husband, Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said they were praying for Kirk's recovery. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the incident "reprehensible" and urged prayers for Kirk and for the Utah Valley University community as it copes with the trauma.
A White House official told Fox News the event was being monitored in the situation room and by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his role as national security adviser. Utah Valley University’s Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications Management, Ellen Treanor, told Fox News a suspect was in custody.
Statements condemning the shooting came from lawmakers representing a wide range of political perspectives and leadership positions, underlining a rare moment of bipartisan unanimity on the issue of political violence. Several members emphasized that such acts have no place in American political life and called for restraint and reflection.
Kirk is the founder of the conservative group Turning Point USA and has been a frequent presence on the national political stage. The event where he was shot was part of a tour he launched amid the 2024-2025 political cycle.
Officials provided limited public details in the immediate aftermath. Local law enforcement and university officials were continuing to investigate, and Congress members said they would await further information while urging calm. The incident revived memories of past attacks on public figures and prompted renewed discussion among lawmakers and advocates about political rhetoric and safety at public events.
News organizations, law enforcement and university officials said they would provide updates as more information becomes available. Members of Congress from both parties said they would continue to watch developments closely and called for unity in denouncing violence as the investigation proceeds.
