US, State Leaders Condemn Political Violence After Charlie Kirk Assassination

The assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 2025 has elicited widespread condemnation from political leaders across the United States. House Speaker Mike Johnson called Kirk a close friend and urged all political leaders to denounce violence, leading a moment of silence in the House. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and President Donald Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff in Kirk's honor, with Shapiro emphasizing that political violence has no place in the country. Republican Representative Mike Kennedy affirmed that violence will not silence conservatives and vowed that the shooter will face justice. Maryland leaders, including Governor Wes Moore and Senator Chris Van Hollen, strongly condemned the shooting, highlighting the ongoing threat of political violence, referencing recent assassination attempts on President Trump. The National Governors Association, led by bipartisan governors, united in a statement affirming that violence has no place in American democracy or communities.