Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 11, 2025 · Entertainment

Colbert's Call for Peace: Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s Tragic Death

Stephen Colbert, 61, addressed the killing of Charlie Kirk in a last-minute speech appended to the start of Wednesday night's episode of The Late Show. He bemoaned 'political violence' and shared his condolences with Kirk's family

BREAKING: Shocking Murder Rocks Conservative Circles as Charlie Kirk, 31, is Fatally Shot at Utah University

In a chilling and unprecedented attack, prominent right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was tragically gunned down on Wednesday evening during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University. The 61-year-old comedian Stephen Colbert addressed the nation in a somber speech on his late-night show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, condemning "political violence" and warning of its devastating consequences.

Kirk's sudden and shocking demise sent shockwaves throughout conservative circles, with Vice President JD Vance, President Donald Trump, and fellow activists expressing their deepest condolences to Kirk's grieving family. The killer remains at large, but authorities have taken two individuals into custody as persons of interest in the shooting.

Kirk, a right-wing activist, was pronounced dead at 31 after being shot in the neck by a person who reportedly fired from a nearby building while he spoke outdoors at Utah Valley University on Wednesday; pictured in June in Davie, Florida

As details emerge about the tragic event, we take a closer look at the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, who rose to prominence after co-founding Turning Point USA, a right-wing youth organization aimed at promoting conservative values and principles. A devoted family man and husband to Erika Frantzve, Kirk leaves behind three young children - a three-year-old daughter and 16-month-old son.

A Life Cut Short

Kirk's murder has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fellow activists and politicians alike, who praised his unwavering dedication to the conservative cause. In a heartfelt post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Vice President JD Vance described Kirk as "a true friend" and "great family man." President Donald Trump, never one to shy away from public statements, took to his Truth Social account to announce Kirk's death, praising him as "the Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk... who understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than anyone."

'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,' he said. 'Our condolences go out to his family and all of his loved ones'

In a poignant speech delivered from the Oval Office, President Trump addressed the nation with tears in his eyes, eulogizing Kirk as "a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country he loved so much." He concluded by praying for Kirk's family and expressing his deepest sympathy.

A Targeted Assassination?

As authorities continue their investigation into the murder, questions are being raised about whether this was a targeted attack or simply a senseless act of violence. While two individuals were taken into custody earlier in the day as persons of interest, they were subsequently released without charge.

Colbert declared that 'political violence does not solve any of our political differences,' and he added,'Political violence only leads to more political violence'

Stephen Colbert's somber address on his late-night show provided a poignant backdrop to the unfolding drama, as he reminded viewers that "political violence only leads to more political violence." The 61-year-old comedian took a momentary pause from his standard monologue to express condolences to Kirk's family and warn against the dangers of escalating tensions.

The Investigation Continues

As the nation grapples with this tragic event, law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to identify the perpetrator(s) behind the heinous crime. The FBI and Utah police have launched a joint investigation into the murder, which they describe as "a dark moment for America."

'I pray with all my heart that this is the abhorrent action of a mad man and not a sign of things to come,' Colbert added

With the suspect still at large, the people of Utah Valley University remain on high alert, their campus shaken by this horrific act of violence. As we continue to follow developments in this breaking news story, one thing is clear: Charlie Kirk's legacy will live on through his devoted family and the countless lives he touched during his tragically short life.

A Nation Mourns

In a remarkable display of unity and solidarity, conservative activists from across the country have rallied around Kirk's grieving family, offering their support and condolences in this darkest of hours. As we reflect on Charlie Kirk's all-too-brief life, one thing is certain - his passing will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Although the circumstances of Kirk's death suggested a targeted killing, no details have yet publicly emerged about the identity of the shooter, who is still on the loose; seen in 2024 in Phoenix

Sources:

TheScholarlyNote.com

President Donald Trump announced Kirk's death on Truth Social. 'No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,' Trump wrote. 'He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us'; pictured with Kirk on December 22, 2024, in Phoenix, Ariz.