Outpouring of reactions shown after Charlie Kirk shot to death
Ryan Shiner
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A flurry of reactions occurred in social media and other places after the death of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk was announced.
Kirk, 31, the founder of Turning Point USA – which is a political group aimed at promoting conservative causes on college campuses – was shot to death Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. President Donald Trump gave condolences to Kirk’s family while announcing his death.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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 now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump also ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Kirk through Sunday evening, a social media post from the White House shows.
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican, also gave condolences on X. The Missouri Senate also held a moment of silence in the chamber amidst the redistricting debate occurring during Wednesday’s special session.
“Political violence tears at our nation’s very foundation. America was built on passionate yet peaceful debate and freedom of expression,” Kehoe wrote. “Charlie was an unwavering voice for conservatives across the country who raised the bar for civic engagement and political dialogue, inspiring countless young people to make their voices heard.”
Claudia and I are deeply saddened to hear of Charlie Kirk’s passing.
Political violence tears at our nation’s very foundation. America was built on passionate yet peaceful debate and freedom of expression.
Charlie was an unwavering voice for conservatives across the country who…
— Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) September 10, 2025
Turning Point’s chapter at the University of Missouri had shared a post on Instagram asking for people to pray for Kirk immediately after he was shot. The MU chapter will hold a vigil for Kirk at 8 p.m. at Traditions Plaza on the quad south of Jesse Hall.
View this post on Instagram
Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO) referred to Kirk as a “martyr” on social media.
Charlie is a martyr.
— Dr. Bob Onder (@BobOnderMO) September 10, 2025
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) made a comment on X condemning political violence after Kirk was shot.
“Political violence has no place in this country. We must condemn this horrifying attack. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family,” Sanders wrote.
Zohran Mamdani, a left-wing politician running for mayor of New York City, also condemned political violence in a social media post.
“I’m horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah. Political violence has no place in our country,” Mamdani wrote.
Mamdani’s post was shared by a number of people on X, including left-wing commentator Sam Seder.
Missouri Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt also issued condolences to Kirk’s family on social media.
“Charlie was a patriot in the fullest sense of the word. A loving husband & father. An incredible friend to me & so many,” Schmitt wrote.
Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) gave condolences in a text message and also announced he would be holding off on having public events in the near future.
“Leslie and I are horrified by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We are praying for his family, especially his wife and young children. We strongly condemn political violence in all forms. It has no place in the United States. Our country must be better than this,” Alford wrote. “While we didn’t know Charlie personally, it’s clear he was a God-fearing man and strong conservative who passionately loved our country.
“Charlie and I have both tried to listen to those who disagree with us and respond with reason and facts. That’s exactly what we did on our recently completed 15-stop town hall tour. Instead of respectful debate, he was murdered.”
A number of users on social media gave a variety of viewpoints, with many giving condolences to Kirk’s family, while others criticized his stance on issues including gun control.
Check back for updates.