WASHINGTON, D.C. (WZMQ 19 News) — Trump ally, podcast host and activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday while speaking at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University.
The death of the 31-year-old conservative activist sent shock waves and strong emotions through Washington this afternoon.
Speaker Mike Johnson and House members paused for a moment of silence to honor Kirk, but shortly after, a shouting match erupted on the floor as tensions ran hot.
Sources said the verbal altercation stemmed from one member accusing Democrats of causing the shooting by using inflammatory rhetoric.
Several Democrats shared reaction to the shooting, calling it tragic while reaffirming there is no place for political violence in the United States.
“Political violence has no place in America. This shooting is horrifying, and I’m praying for Charlie Kirk and his family,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY.) Wednesday afternoon in a post on social media.
“Terrible news. Political violence should be condemned by all decent people, no matter what your political leanings might be. Condolences to Charlie’s family and friends for their loss,” said Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.).
Wednesday evening, House Republicans were shocked, upset and angered by the shooting. They said political violence and inflammatory rhetoric need to cool down.
“I’m angry and I’m sad. This is terrible for our country,” Rep. Nick Langworthy (R- NY.) said. “His voice was stolen and he did a lot of good in this country. Plenty of people disagreed with him, and that’s their First Amendment right to disagree. That’s what America is all about. But we don’t solve that with bullets.”
“It’s not good. The message is people need to take a breath. People need to show some class. People need to be the adults in the room,” said Rep. Dan Meuser (R- Pa.). “I know it’s not easy. We all get a little fired up here and there. But show respect.”
“There is no place in a civilized society for this type of heinous act. Political violence is unacceptable in every form. I continue to pray for the Kirk family,” Rep. Mike Kelly (R- Pa.) said in a statement.
A strong supporter of President Trump, Charlie Kirk was also the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization that played a big role in President Trump’s 2024 victory.
He leaves behind his wife, a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.
