Illinois Leaders Condemn Shooting of Charlie kirk During Utah University Event
OREM, Utah – Illinois’s political leaders expressed shock and condemnation following the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at utah Valley University on Thursday afternoon. Kirk was speaking at an event on political violence when a single gunshot was fired, sending him to the hospital. No suspect is currently in custody.
the shooting has ignited a fierce debate about the escalating political tensions and the safety of public discourse. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin stated, “Grief and outrage go hand in hand today. The assassin remains at large, and justice must be swift.” Senator Tammy Duckworth echoed the sentiment, adding that the incident is “horrifying” and underscores the hazardous climate of political animosity. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have not yet issued statements.
Kirk, a graduate of Wheeling High School, was roughly 20 minutes into his speech when the shooting occurred around 12:10 p.m. Graphic video circulating on social media shows Kirk falling from his chair immediately after a gunshot rang out. Utah Valley University immediately closed it’s campus for the remainder of the day.
Wheeling High School District released a statement saying, “As a former student of Wheeling High School, Charlie will always remain part of our community. We are deeply saddened by his passing. Violence is never acceptable, and today we mourn his passing.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting and search for the perpetrator. The incident raises serious questions about security at public events and the potential for political disagreements to escalate into violence.
