California leaders condemn shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk

California’s political leaders roundly condemned Wednesday's fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during a speech 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 attended by hundreds of people on the campus of Utah Valley University when a single shot rang out and Kirk appeared to fall backward in his chair on stage. The Associated Press, citing a law enforcement source, initially reported Wednesday afternoon that Kirk was in critical condition, but around 1:45 p.m., President Donald Trump said Kirk had died.

The moment before he was shot, he was asked a question about mass shooters.

Campus officials initially said a suspect was taken into custody, but authorities later said the person initially detained was not believed to be the shooter, who remained at large.

The shooting sparked panic in the crowd, which rapidly scattered.

Kirk was a conservative political commentator and activist, and a close ally of President Donald Trump. He co-founded Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization aimed at advancing conservative policies at high schools and universities.

In 2023, he said at an event that some gun deaths are unfortunately inevitable in exchange for the preservation of Second Amendment rights, and only more armed guards can prevent more gun deaths. 

“It’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment,” Kirk said. 

Kirk previously attended an event in California State University Long Beach in May. 

California’s elected leaders -- largely all Democrats -- blasted the shooting.

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."

"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."

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who once interviewed Kirk on an episode of his podcast, also condemned the shooting.

"The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile and reprehensible," Newsom wrote. "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."

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."

Additional reporting by City News Service.