JD Vance, Hegseth and other Republican leaders react to Charlie Kirk shooting

High-ranking government officials and lawmakers on Wednesday flooded social media with reactions to conservative activist Charlie Kirk getting shot during a rally in Utah.

Kirk was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. His status is unclear. Kirk has been one of the most influential voices on the right in recent years, notably founding Turning Point USA chapters at universities across the country and hosting speakers' summits for young conservatives.

Vice President JD Vance reacted to the news in a post on X, urging people to "say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father."

Republican Utah Sen. Mike Lee said that he was monitoring the situation and that he was praying for Kirk and the other students at the university.

"I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely," Lee said on X. "Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there."

Conservative author and political commentator Candace Owens, War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have also commented on the shooting. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who was shot during a practice for a congressional baseball game in 2017, additionally urged constituents to pray for Kirk. 

"Prayers for Charlie Kirk. An incredible Christian, American, and human being," Hegseth said on X. "May the healing hand of Jesus Christ be upon him."

President Donald Trump ally and Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the Democratic Party was the "party of murder," and expressed hope that Kirk pulls through. 

Some Democrats have also reacted to the shooting, including California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom who condemned the attack.

"The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible," Newsom posted on X. "In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form."

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, also condemned the shooting.

"The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible," Pelosi posted on X. "Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation. All Americans should pray for Charlie Kirk’s recovery and hold the entire UVU community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence."

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she was "deeply disturbed" by Kirk's shooting and condemned political violence.

"I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family," Harris said.
"Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.