By Asaf Elia Shalev
Israeli and pro-Israel American Jewish community leaders were among those expressing concern after Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist who founded Turning Point USA and emerged as a leading voice of the pro-Trump right, was fatally shot Wednesday, Sept. 10, during an appearance in Utah.
Kirk was confirmed to have been killed about two hours after the shooting, which occurred around midday as Kirk launched into remarks for his “American Comeback” campus tour at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Video from the scene showed a single gunshot striking Kirk in the head or neck, causing panic among attendees. He was rushed to a nearby hospital. The FBI said it was assisting in the investigation.
Prominent politicians from both political parties quickly condemned the violence. President Donald Trump, who has counted Kirk as one of his most loyal surrogates, called him “a great guy” and urged supporters to “pray for Charlie.” Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Gov. Spencer Cox also issued statements of support.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X:, “The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.” Fellow Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker posted that political violence “should never become the norm.”
“Political violence has no place in America,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X. “This shooting is horrifying, and I’m praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.”
Israeli leaders and Jewish activists, some of whom have developed relationships with Kirk through his pro-Israel activism, also reacted with alarm.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on X: “Praying for @charliekirk11.” Amichai Chikli, Israel’s minister of Diaspora affairs, wrote: “Praying for Charlie.”
Posted the Israel on Campus Coalition: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Charlie Kirk’s passing. An ally of Israel and the Jewish people, his voice and conviction will be sorely missed. May his memory be a blessing.”
“The Republican Jewish Coalition is shocked and grieving at the murder of our dear friend Charlie Kirk,” posted that organization. “Political violence has no place in this country. There is no reason, no excuse, no political view, no issue that justifies violence against a fellow American. Charlie has been a shining light in these troubled times for the American Jewish community, and we are deeply saddened at his passing. All people of good will must condemn this horrific murder and demand justice for Charlie.
“Charlie was a fearless advocate for freedom, a supporter of Israel and the Jewish people, and a friend. He was cut down while doing what he loved to do, communicating with the next generation of American leaders on college campuses about the issues that affect us all. We will not let this murderer win. We will continue Charlie’s work, alongside Turning Point USA and other strong conservative voices.
“Our thoughts are with his family, including his wife and two young children. We are diminished by his loss. May his memory be a blessing.”
Shabbos Kestenbaum, a right-wing American Jewish activist who spoke in Baltimore last May, urged his followers: “Please stop what you’re doing and pray for our friend Charlie Kirk. Many in the Jewish community are reciting chapters from the Book of Psalms, and I ask you do the same. Something is deeply broken in America. The political violence must END. GOD HELP AMERICA.”
An evangelical Christian, Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 while still a teenager. The organization has grown into a powerful platform for conservative youth activism, hosting major conferences and expanding into high schools and churches.
Kirk became a regular commentator on Fox News and other right-wing outlets, building a reputation as an outspoken critic of higher education, liberal policies and what he calls “woke culture.”
Kirk’s Turning Point USA has maintained ties with pro-Israel organizations and regularly hosts pro-Israel speakers at its conferences. Kirk himself has traveled to Israel and praised Trump’s policies there, including the 2018 U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem.
This is a developing story.
Asaf Elia-Shalev wrote this article for the JTA global Jewish news source.
The Orioles' weak defense plays a major role in the nightly carnage, writes Michael Olesker.
Educators, ethicists and Jewish leaders are debating the question as content mills slop on.
Schools in Montgomery County have recently experienced a wave of antisemitic incidents.
This year’s Community Block Party at the JCC of Greater Baltimore will feature classic cars, giant inflatables, games, a rock-climbing wall and roller skating rink, and strolling entertainers.