Former President of the United States, Barack Obama, has condemned the tragic killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, describing it as an act of senseless violence that undermines democracy.
In a statement released via his verified X account on Wednesday, Obama said, “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.”
Kirk, who was a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was gunned down during a student engagement event at Utah Valley University in the western state of Utah. The 31-year-old was seated under a tent in a white T-shirt emblazoned with “Freedom” when he was struck by gunfire. Witnesses reported seeing him collapse instantly as blood poured from his neck.
According to Utah’s Department of Public Safety, the incident was considered a “targeted attack.” Authorities believe the shooter fired from a rooftop overlooking the university’s courtyard. While two men were initially detained for questioning, they were later released with no direct ties to the shooting. However, one of them, identified as George Zinn, has been charged with obstruction of justice.
The attack occurred during the opening event of a 15-stop national speaking tour Kirk had scheduled through late October. He had co-founded the conservative youth group Turning Point USA in 2012 at just 18 years old, rising to become a prominent voice for right-wing activism.
President Trump reacted with deep sorrow on Truth Social, describing Kirk as “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.” He blamed the “radical left” for fueling an environment of hostility, vowing to crack down on individuals and organizations connected to such violence. “My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organisations that fund it and support it,” Trump declared in a somber video message from the Oval Office.
Investigations are ongoing as security agencies intensify the manhunt for the gunman.
okay.ng reports that Kirk’s death has sparked nationwide conversations about political violence, security at public events, and the growing tension in American democracy.
