California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at a press conference, accompanied by members of the Texas Democratic legislators, at the governor’s mansion in Sacramento, California, U.S., August 8, 2025. (Reuters File)
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Turning Point USA founder and conservative leader Charlie Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Wednesday, Sept. 10, prompting quick condemnation from Gov. Gavin Newsom and several other California leaders over political violence.
Utah Valley University confirmed on X that Kirk, a visiting speaker, had been shot Wednesday afternoon. Kirk was taken from the location by his security, and a suspect is in custody, the university said.
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X. “In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”
Sen. Alex Padilla called the shooting “reprehensible and sickening” on X and said he was praying for Kirk and his family.
“America was founded on the freedom to disagree,” Padilla wrote. “Political violence has no place in our democracy.”
Former Speaker of the House and Rep. Nancy Pelosi called for all Americans to pray over Kirk’s recovery and “hold the entire UVU community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence.”
“The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible,” said Pelosi, whose district includes San Francisco. “Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said “we must all reject” political violence in a statement on X.
“I’m absolutely disgusted by today’s attack on Charlie Kirk,” Bass said. “Political violence in all forms is unacceptable and reprehensible.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Darrell Issa, whose district encompasses parts of San Diego and Riverside counties, wrote on X “Pray for @charliekirk11” on X. Similarly, Rep. Ken Calvert, whose district includes a swath of the Coachella Valley, said that he was praying for Kirk in a post on X.
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Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: ‘We must reject political violence’: Newsom, CA leaders respond to Charlie Kirk shooting
Reporting by Paris Barraza, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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