Southern California political leaders and law enforcement officials roundly condemned the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during a speech Wednesday in Utah, saying political violence is never acceptable.
“No one deserves to be the target of gun violence, ever,” Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, wrote on X. “What happened to Charlie Kirk is appalling, unacceptable, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. I am thinking of his family and loved ones at this time. We must put a stop to rising political violence in this country.”
Kirk, 31, was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University when a shot rang out and Kirk fell backward in his chair on stage. Kirk later was pronounced dead. The suspect remained at large Wednesday evening.
“The great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” President Donald Trump, a close ally and friend of Kirk, wrote on social media. “No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by all, especially me, and no he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. “This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation. I want to be very clear this is a political assassination.”
Kirk was a conservative political commentator and activist who co-founded Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing conservative policies at high schools and universities.
Southern California elected leaders were quick to condemn the violence.
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrific and disgusting,” Rep. Mike Levin, D-Dana Point, said. “Violence has no place in American politics. We can debate fiercely and disagree passionately, but we must always resolve our differences peacefully and with basic respect for one another.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote on X, “I’m absolutely disgusted by today’s attack on Charlie Kirk. Political violence in all forms is unacceptable and reprehensible. We must all reject it.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who once interviewed Kirk on an episode of his podcast, wrote that the attack was “disgusting, vile and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”
Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-Los Angeles, wrote, “Violence against one person for their views means we allow violence against anyone for their views. We cannot allow this. Political violence CANNOT be condoned, regardless of your party or beliefs.”
Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, said the nation was “founded on the freedom to disagree.”
“Political violence has no place in our democracy,” Padilla said. “The shooting of Charlie Kirk is reprehensible and sickening. I am praying for him and his family during this time.”
Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles, wrote, “I may not agree with Charlie Kirk on politics, but I am deeply disturbed to hear about the shooting. Violence has no place in our democracy, no matter who it targets or what views they hold. We can disagree passionately without resorting to harm.”
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, said he was “horrified” by the shooting.
“The increasing degree of political violence in this country is a threat to everyone. And it must end,” Schiff said.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn called the shooting “horrific.”
“No matter how much we disagree with each other, you should be able to hold a rally without fearing for your life,” Hahn said. “Political violence cannot be tolerated in the United States.”
State Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach, said he was “deeply troubled” by the shooting.
“In politics, I have always said that we can disagree without being disagreeable,” he said. “We must maintain decorum and respect for opposing viewpoints. Acts of violence must never be tolerated — regardless of political beliefs.”
Local law enforcement also condemned the violence and said they would remain vigilant in the wake of the attack.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department released a statement on social media saying: “We are heartbroken by the tragic shooting in Utah involving Charlie Kirk. Our condolences go out to the Kirk family and all those affected by this senseless act. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department does not condone any violence and remains steadfast in safeguarding our community. Please remember: If you see something, say something.”
Orange County sheriff’s officials released a statement saying that whenever “there is an event that attracts a large crowd, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department collaborates with the area representatives, local law enforcement partners, the fire department, and event coordinators to ensure the highest level of service and safety. Typically, after a significant event or critical incident, there is a debrief.”
“If there is anything to learn from an event that occurs, we will use this information to strengthen our plans.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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