Well-wishers pay their respects at a makeshift memorial at the national headquarters of Turning Point USA in Phoenix after the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the organization, during a Utah college event Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. Ross D. Franklin/AP
Ross D. Franklin/AP
In a solemn address from the Oval Office, President Trump sharply criticized the left and media for what he described as “demonizing” behavior following the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk, a key ally and prominent conservative figure. Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during an event at a Utah college on Wednesday.
Trump expressed deep admiration for Kirk, acknowledging his pivotal role in the 2024 election and his unwavering dedication to conservative activism. “Radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent people and taken too many lives,” Trump asserted, calling for unity around “American values for which Charlie Kirk lived and died.”
Authorities have yet to identify a suspect, and the shooter remains at large as investigations continue. Trump reiterated his administration’s commitment to pursuing justice against those responsible for political violence. He stated, “I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived & died. The values of free speech, citizenship, the rule of law & the patriotic devotion & love of God.”
The President connected this incident to previous acts of violence, including the 2024 assassination attempt at a campaign rally and the tragic shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, as well as the 2017 attack on House Majority Leader Steve Scalise during a congressional baseball practice.
While addressing the nation’s grief, Trump called for a reflection on Kirk’s legacy, urging citizens to uphold principles like free speech and the rule of law—ideals that Kirk championed. He emphasized, “For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals.” Trump pointed out that such rhetoric fuels the terrorism seen today.
Despite the focus on violence against conservatives, the President’s remarks did not extend to instances of political violence targeting Democrats, such as the June attack in Minnesota or the 2022 assault on Paul Pelosi. In contrast to his restrained response to the Scalise shooting in 2017, Trump’s current statements highlight a shift towards a more direct confrontation of political adversaries.
