WASHINGTON, Sep 11: The fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event in Utah has struck a deep chord with public figures who have personally experienced political violence.
Kirk, co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was known for engaging young audiences in political discussions, often on college campuses.
In the wake of the shooting, leaders across the political spectrum condemned the attack.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose husband was seriously injured in a politically motivated attack in 2022, called the shooting “reprehensible.”
Former President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk who survived an assassination attempt last year, mourned Kirk’s death, calling him a “great guy” and praising his connection with America’s youth.
Other politicians who’ve survived violent incidents also voiced outrage.
Gabrielle Giffords, shot in 2011 while meeting constituents, said she was “horrified” and emphasized that political disagreements must not turn violent.
Steve Scalise, wounded in a 2017 congressional baseball shooting, asked for prayers for Kirk.
Governors Josh Shapiro and Gretchen Whitmer — both previously targeted in violent attacks — echoed calls for unity and moral clarity.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose father and uncle were assassinated, called Kirk a “truth teller” and decried the loss.
The bipartisan responses reflect growing alarm over the normalization of political violence in the US, and a shared plea to stop it before more lives are lost. (AP)
