Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Tuesday condemned political violence in all forms and accused President Donald Trump of selectively condemning attacks in the wake of last week’s assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Speaking at the Eradicate Hate Global Summit in Pittsburgh, Shapiro called for moral clarity and national unity after the fatal shooting at Utah Valley University, which authorities say claimed the life of the Turning Point USA co-founder. "Violence in all forms is unacceptable," Shapiro said. "Political violence is particularly dangerous. Not only does it seek to injure, maim or kill – it seeks to intimidate, terrorize and silence."
Shapiro, who survived a firebomb attack on the Pennsylvania governor's mansion and his family earlier this year, referenced a string of politically charged attacks as he urged leaders across the country to denounce violence without qualification. He pointed to last year’s attempted assassination of Trump and, he said, the killing this year of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband as examples of how political violence has targeted figures across the spectrum.
Hours after the shooting at Utah Valley University, Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office and blamed "the radical left." In subsequent interviews, the president blamed what he described as "a radical left group of lunatics" and told reporters, "When you look at the problems, the problem is on the left. It’s not on the right."
Without naming the president directly, Shapiro said elected officials and public figures have a responsibility to "be clear and unequivocal in calling out all forms of political violence and making clear it is all wrong." He accused some leaders of "cherry-pick[ing] which instances of political violence they want to condemn," saying selective condemnation further divides the country and could be interpreted by some as permission to commit violence when it suits a narrative.
Authorities have charged a suspect in the killing of Kirk, and investigations into motive and the circumstances of the attack are ongoing. Shapiro urged that responses from political leaders should prioritize de-escalation and collective condemnation of violence to help the nation heal.
The governor’s remarks came as national attention focused on the broader consequences of politically motivated attacks and the tone set by politicians and media. Shapiro said clear, consistent denunciations of violence are necessary to protect democratic discourse and prevent further acts intended to intimidate or silence opponents.