Obama’s Statement on Charlie Kirk Shooting Sparks Backlash
Former President Barack Obama has drawn criticism following his remarks on the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA.
Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday.
In a post on social media, Obama condemned the violence, writing:
“We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.
Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
While many praised his call for unity, others accused the former president of being “tone deaf.”
Some critics argued that political rhetoric over the years has fueled hostility and division, pointing out that portraying political opponents in extreme terms can encourage dangerous behavior.
Media figures such as Clay Travis, founder of OutKick, suggested that Obama and other Democratic leaders had contributed to an environment where violent acts against conservatives could occur.
During a Fox News interview, Travis argued that comparing political opponents to dictators or fascists creates an atmosphere where unstable individuals may interpret such language as a call to action.
Other Democratic leaders rejected the criticism.
When asked whether partisan rhetoric played a role in Kirk’s killing, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) dismissed the idea, responding: “Oh, please. Why don’t you start with the President of the United States?”
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies continue to investigate. The FBI confirmed it is working with state and local police to identify the shooter.
Early reports suggest the attack was “targeted,” with officials saying the gunman may have fired from a rooftop overlooking the student courtyard where Kirk was speaking.
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said the shooter was dressed in dark clothing and likely acted alone, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have urged the public to share any photos, videos, or information that could help track down the suspect.
Former President Donald Trump also addressed the incident, criticizing what he described as years of political demonization:
“For years, those on the radical Left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst criminals.
This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the violence we’re seeing in our country today, and it must stop.”
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the suspect’s motives.
For now, political leaders on both sides are being urged to lower the temperature of national discourse and ensure tragedies like this are not exploited for partisan gain.
