As an FBI manhunt continues for the person who shot Charlie Kirk to death on Wednesday, late-night hosts reacted to the act of political gun violence.
On The Late Show, Stephen Colbert sent his condolences to Kirk’s family and reminded viewers that “political violence does not solve any of our political differences” in a message recorded after the night’s monologue.
“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.”
Colbert added, “I’m old enough to personally remember the political violence of the 1960s, and 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 mad man and not a sign of things to come.”
Jimmy Kimmel previously addressed the shooting on Instagram, calling it “horrible and monstrous,” adding, “On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.”
Kirk, a conservative influencer and the co-founder of Turning Point USA, died at age 31 after he was shot in the neck from a nearby building during an outdoor speech at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
After a suspect was taken into custody for the shooting, FBI director Kash Patel announced the person of interest “has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency.”
President Donald Trump has since shared a statement, blaming the shooting on the “radical left,” adding: “This type of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today, and it must stop right now.”
“My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity, and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support, as well as those who go after our judges, law enforcement officials and everyone else who brings order to our country,” added Trump.
