Barack Obama Condemns ‘Despicable Violence’ After Charlie Kirk Assassinated
Former President Barack Obama issued a statement following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, 31, who was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University during a student Q&A event.
“We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy,” Obama posted on X, adding that he and Michelle Obama are praying for Kirk’s family, “especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 10, 2025
Witnesses reported the gunfire came from behind the crowd. One reporter on the scene, Emma Pitts, said Kirk’s “body went limp and then his eyes closed” after being hit.
Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that Kirk was struck in the neck and pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Several high-profile Democrats issued statements in response to the killing, joining in what some are calling a rare moment of political unity.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) said his “family grieves for Charlie Kirk’s family,” and added, “We must collectively find a way forward during these polarized times.”
Our family grieves for Charlie Kirk’s family.
We must collectively find a way forward during these polarized times.
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) September 10, 2025
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who had interviewed with Kirk just weeks ago, wrote: “I saw a passionate young man who loved his country. Devastated to now learn of his assassination. Political violence has no place in our nation. We must turn down the temperature and stand united against hate.”
I interviewed with Charlie Kirk just last month, and I saw a passionate young man who loved his country. Devastated to now learn of his assassination.
Political violence has no place in our nation. We must turn down the temperature and stand united against hate.
I pray for…
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) September 10, 2025
President Joe Biden also posted a brief message: “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 10, 2025
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff through Sunday at 6:00 p.m. to honor Kirk, who he called a “Great American Patriot” and “one of the brightest voices of his generation.”
The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible. Surveillance images of a person of interest have been released to the public as part of the ongoing investigation.