‘Violence has no place in our democracy’ – Obama on Charlie Kirk’s killing

Former President Barack Obama has condemned the shooting that claimed the life of conservative activist and influencer Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, September 10.

“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 wrote in a post on X.

Kirk, 31, was shot while hosting a question-and-answer session with students during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

President Donald Trump mourned his longtime ally in a Truth Social post, calling Kirk “Great, and even Legendary.”

Vice President JD Vance also responded to the news, writing on X, “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.”

President Joe Biden echoed Obama’s remarks, saying on X, “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now.”

Democratic leaders joined in the condemnation. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the nation should “feel a deep sense of grief and outrage at the terrible violence,” adding, “In a democracy, ideas are tested through words and good-faith debate — never through violence.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she was “deeply disturbed” by the shooting, stressing that “political violence has no place in America.”

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson also addressed reporters before leading a moment of silence in the House chamber. “This is detestable what’s happened,” he said.

“Political violence has become all too common in American society, and this is not who we are. We can settle disagreements and disputes in a civil manner, and political violence must be called out, and it has to stop.”