National Political Parties Respond to the Fatal Shooting of Charlie Kirk

Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday in Utah while on his “The American Comeback Tour.” Independent Political Report has compiled a list of formal statements issued by national political parties in response to the incident.

Kirk, a conservative political activist, was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem when a single round was fired from a nearby rooftop in what authorities described as a targeted attack. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, the shooter remains at large and a manhunt is underway.

The shooting has prompted condemnation from figures and organizations across the political spectrum. The following statements were issued by national political parties in the hours following Kirk’s death. They are presented in alphabetical order by party name and are quoted as originally released. Statements where shared on various platforms, including social media, party websites, and direct communications to IPR.

Representatives of parties not listed, or readers aware of additional statements, are invited to submit them to the editorial team for inclusion. IPR has attempted to include as many statements as could be initially identified, and this article will be updated as additional statements are received.

The American Solidarity Party issued the following statement on social media:

Take a moment to pray for Charlie Kirk, for his family, and for our country.

Our political disagreements with one another matter—sometimes they matter a lot. But never so much that we should stop seeing our neighbors as fellow Americans and as human beings made in God’s image.

The Communist Party USA issued the following statement on its national website:

The cycle of political violence that’s plagued the U.S. grew worse with the killing of right-wing Christian nationalist Charlie Kirk in Utah. The Communist Party USA rejects such violence.

In response, the MAGA movement, including Trump, have blamed Kirk’s murder on the “radical left,” labeling left politics a national security threat and calling for a crackdown and even war.

Yet, according to even ruling class law enforcement, the main source of political violence in our country is the radical right. This includes the thousands of insurrectionists whose attack on the U.S. Capitol the Trump White House pardoned, giving not only a nod and wink but outright approval. It also includes the assassination just weeks ago of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband. MAGA’s complete hypocrisy seems endless, and their refusal to address the use of weapons of war on our streets is a case in point.

The working-class and democratic movements know full well from our own long experience that acts of violence and terror only serve the interests of the forces of hate, racism, intolerance, and reaction.

Political violence against individuals, including mass shootings, serve no useful purpose, and we condemn them. Only systemic change will bring about the society we seek. Such change must come through non-violent peaceful mass struggle. The Communist Party USA recommits itself to this goal. We shall not be moved.

The Constitution Party issued the following statement from National Chair Justin L. Magill on social media:

We mourn the passing of Charlie Kirk. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

Mr. Kirk has left a legacy of speaking out for truth. It is our sincere hope that many will take up the mantle and carry on his mission.

Justin L. Magill
National Chairman

The Christian Nationalist Party shared the following statement from Chair Don J. Grundmann directly with IPR:

The Christian Nationalist Party sends its condolences to, and prayers for, the family of Charlie Kirk; a martyred victim of the Satanic Shadow attacking our nation.

May his articulate inspiration and continuous work for dialogue among all people be a forever example to follow.

Saluting a brave American,

Don J. Grundmann, D.C.
Founder/Chairman Christian Nationalist Party

The Democratic National Committee published the following statement from National Chair Ken Martin on the Democratic Party website:

Today, in yet another horrific act of targeted political violence, Charlie Kirk was murdered in cold blood on a school campus. Though we’re still awaiting further details, in all likelihood, he was murdered for expressing his beliefs. I am praying for his family, his friends, and his loved ones.

Let me be clear: even if you disagree with someone’s beliefs, even if you stand against every single thing they stand for, the path of disagreement must never lead to what happened today at Utah Valley University.

Political violence — in all of its forms — is unacceptable in America. Yet, as I said when my dear friends Melissa and Mark Hortman were murdered earlier this summer, such violence has become commonplace. Every single political leader, Democrat and Republican alike, must loudly condemn this violence. We must work harder to bring this country together, not divide it.

In this great country, we make our opinions known in many ways. We protest, speak up, petition our government, go on the airwaves, and yes, address students on campus like Charlie Kirk. Most importantly, we make our opinions known at the ballot box. We don’t chill belief and opinion with weapons and violence. That is not America.

Over the past year, we’ve seen far too much violence. Political leaders targeted at rallies, lawmakers and their families shot in their own homes, children gunned down in a church, and now an execution on a college campus. It is unacceptable.

The Forward Party, along with the Young Forwardists and the Forward Party of Utah, issued the following statement on social media:

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the assassination of Charlie Kirk today on a college campus in Utah.
Our hearts go out to his family, friends, the Utah Valley University community, and all who are mourning this barbaric act. The violence occurred in a space meant for learning, dialogue, and growth – making this loss even more painful.

This haunting tragedy is a heartbreaking end result of when hatred overtakes political debate and discourse.
No matter our differences, resorting to bloodshed silences voices, tears families and communities apart, and undermines the very freedoms upon which America was founded.

Our nation is strongest when disagreements are resolved through debate, dialogue, and at the ballot box – not through intimidation, threats, or violence. Every American deserves the right to speak, advocate, and participate in civic life without fear for their safety.

In this moment of grief and disbelief, we call on all Americans to come together across ideological lines, to remove hatred from our politics, and to recommit to the values of civility, respect, and constructive conversation. The Forward Party, Young Forwardists, and Forward Party of Utah stand united against political violence and for a future where disagreements inspire progress, not destruction. America needs more listening, more understanding, and more courage to solve problems together – not more division and fear.

— The Forward Party, Young Forwardists, and the Forward Party of Utah

The Liberal Party USA issued the following statement from Chair Trisha Butler on social media:

The recent escalation of political violence is a dangerous indication of the state of our nation. This year has seen a governor’s home set ablaze, the assassination of no less than two lawmakers and now a renowned activist.

Murdering someone because you do not like what they say or believe is wrong. The Liberal Party USA believes in the vast potential of humanity. It is well past time to cling to that humanity and reject the partisanship and polarity that runs rampant in the United States.

We are the party of peace and unity. We will diligently strive to mend divisions and create a future better for ALL.

In the dignity, peace, and respect that all humans are due,

Trisha Butler

The Libertarian National Committee shared the following statement from Chair Steven Nekhaila on social media:

The Libertarian National Committee condemns the shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Political violence has no place in a free society.

Libertarians affirm the Non-Aggression Principle: every member signs a pledge never to initiate force to achieve political or social goals. At the same time, we uphold the right of every person to defend themselves and their families against aggression.

We call on all Americans to reject violence and recommit to discourse, peace, and liberty as the only legitimate means of resolving political conflict. – [LNC Chair Steven Nekhaila]

The United States Pirate Party shared the following statement from Captain Jolly Mitch Davilo on social media:

“We, along with the majority of Americans, condemn this and all acts of political violence. We reject the rhetoric inciting violence.

This is NOT the way and never should be.

No matter the party you vote for, violence is not the way.”

Those are the exact words we posted when an attempt was made on the President’s life. Unfortunately since then, the escalation of political violence has only gotten worse. We have seen political assassinations in Minnesota with the death of Melissa Hortman. Today we saw Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk die via gunman’s hands.

This has to end.

The dueling bloodshed of the culture war is your sign that things have gotten too far. Charlie Kirk is a victim of political hatred he was paid handsomely to manufacture. This is the inevitable result of political polarization. We cannot stand by idly and say nothing on this issue.

The time to remember that we are all US Americans and what we share in common dwarfs what makes us different. If we are to make things right in this country, then we need to expel the elephant in the room and not replace it with a donkey. The culture war cannot spiral into a larger conflict. We must remain focused on dealing with the Powers That Be and not turning to political violence on fellow US Americans.

The Reform Party of the United States issued the following statement on social media:

The Reform Party extends our support and condolences to the family of political activist Charlie Kirk. Political violence is never the answer to solutions for our country. Every citizen has the right to express their views, opinions and beliefs without political chaos. We hope that America can meet in the middle in the midst of this tragedy.

R.I.P CHARLIE KIRK

The Republican National Committee shared the following statement from Chair Joe Gruters in an image shared to social media:

Charlie Kirk was a father, husband, and dedicated patriot who spent his life defending conservative values and inspiring young Americans. Our hearts break for his wife, children, loved ones, and countless supporters across the country. The horrifying violence at Utah Valley University that took the life of Charlie Kirk is utterly appalling. Republicans and Democrats alike must stand united in condemning this brutality that has no place in America.

The Unity Party of America issued the following response from Chair Bill Hammons as part of an email shared directly with IPR:

“The death of Mr. Kirk is truly a great tragedy, and while I might have concerns about any election denier, he might’ve made a great Uniter one day,” says Unity Chair Bill Hammons. “While we as a nation don’t want to compound the personal tragedy of the loss of a loving husband and father of two with a national one, I think any fellow steely-eyed observer would agree, especially after our President’s absolutely-not-surprising address regarding the shooting, that the arc of some people trapped in their own universe is bending towards violence.”

Editorial note: The photo used in this article is an edited version of an image originally produced by Utah Valley University’s Marketing and Communications Department.