Stephen Colbert Pauses ‘Late Show’ to Address Charlie Kirk‘s Death
NEW YORK – Stephen Colbert addressed the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Wednesday night’s episode of “The Late Show,” delivering a somber statement before airing the show as planned. The announcement came after scripts were finalized, prompting a shift in the program’s opening.
“Good evening,everybody,” Colbert said,appearing solemn. “After our scripts for tonight’s show were finished, we learned that Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist, was killed at a speaking engagement in Utah. Our condolences go out to his family adn all of his loved ones. I am old enough to personally remember the political violence of the 1960s, and I hope it is indeed 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 aberrant action of a madman and not a sign of things to come. And now, ladies and gentlemen, the show that we had prepared for you.”
Kirk, 31, died on Wednesday after being shot at a college event in Utah. His death has prompted reactions from across the political spectrum,including statements from former President Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
Trump announced Kirk’s death on Truth Social, calling him “Great, and even Legendary,” and stating, “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.” Kimmel took to Instagram to condemn the shooting and call for an end to “the angry finger pointing,” writing,”Can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?” He extended condolences to Kirk’s family and those affected by gun violence.
