Stephen Colbert fears ‘sign of things to come’ after Charlie Kirk assassination
Stephen Colbert has warned of rising tensions after Charlie Kirk’s killing, calling it a tragic act and urging Americans to reject political violence before it spreads
Stephen Colbert has warned of ‘things to come’ after Charlie Kirk assassination
Stephen Colbert opened Wednesday’s episode of The Late Show with a statement about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling it a tragic moment that “must not be the start of something worse.”
“After our scripts for tonight’s show were finished this afternoon, we, here at The Late Show, learned that Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist, was killed at a speaking engagement in Utah,” Colbert told viewers. “Our condolences go out to his family and all of his loved ones.”
Colbert, 61, reflected on his memories of the political violence of the 1960s, saying, “I hope it is obvious to everyone in America that political violence does not solve any of our political differences. Political violence only leads to more political violence, and I pray, with all my heart, that this is the abhorrent action of a madman and not the sign of things to come.”
Kirk, 31, was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University during a midday event under a white tent labeled “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.”
Kirk, 31, was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University
Video footage from the event captured the moment a shot rang out, causing panic among attendees. Kirk collapsed onstage and was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. He later died, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press.
The founder of Turning Point USA and father of two, Kirk was widely recognized for his conservative activism on college campuses across the country.
Former President Donald Trump confirmed the news in a post on Truth Social.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us,” Trump wrote. “Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
The FBI initially stated that a “subject” was in custody.
By Wednesday evening, FBI Director Kash Patel said the individual had been released after questioning. “Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency,” he said.
Following the incident, Utah Valley University closed its campus and canceled all classes and events through September 14. Students were urged to shelter in place until police could escort them out.
“UVU campus is closed. Classes were cancelled. Police are currently going building to building escorting people off campus. Roads to campus are currently closed,” the university said in a statement.
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