 "A general view of a wreath laid by mourners outside the US Embassy in Pretoria on September 11, 2025 following the fatal shooting of US youth activist and influencer Charlie Kirk while speaking during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, United States. Image- AFP")
While both Republicans and Democrats came together to condemn Charlie Kirk’s death, the US House of Representatives became a battleground of words when it came to observing a moment of silence for the conservative political activist.
As news of Kirk’s fatal shooting at a Utah university spread, lawmakers began to argue about how to honour him best. US Representative Lauren Boebert, a Colorado Republican, raised her hand and asked for someone to lead a prayer, adding, “Silent prayers get silent results.”
Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative commentator and close ally of former President Donald Trump, was shot and killed on Wednesday in what Utah Governor Spencer Cox described as a “political assassination.”
His death triggered a debate on gun violence in America, with some Democrats questioning why other killings that involved less prominent figures were not getting the same attention, leading to swearing and accusations about politicising tragedies.
According to a report by Reuters, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson pounded the gavel for order, while an unidentified person shouted, “Pass a gun law!”
‘It’s got to stop’
Kirk’s death brought back painful memories of similar discussions that have occurred in the room far too often. On the one hand, conservatives blamed liberals for the assault and on the other, Democrats kept to a more reserved tone, decrying political violence generally and again calling for stronger gun laws.
“There’s no excuse for political violence in our country; it’s got to end,” said Steve Scalise, the No. 2 Republican in the House of Representatives, who survived being shot in 2017 at a congressional baseball practice.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHe added, “It’s a problem that we’ve seen grow, and it’s got to be addressed. It’s got to stop.”
Meanwhile, Trump - who routinely refers to his political rivals as “radical left lunatics” who he warns represent an existential threat to America - called the shooting an outgrowth of overheated rhetoric.
“Violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonising those with whom you disagree - day after day, year after year - in the most hateful and despicable way possible,” Trump said in a video posted to his Truth Social platform.
The reaction from Democrats was more muted. “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,” former President Barack Obama said in a statement.
Killer still at large
The FBI’s Salt Lake City field office has released images of a person of interest linked to the shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Two photos posted on X show an individual wearing black sunglasses, a baseball cap, a long-sleeved black shirt, and jeans.
Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person in relation to the attack that took place on Wednesday at Utah Valley University.
Earlier in the day, the FBI said it had recovered a weapon believed to have been used in the fatal shooting of Kirk as the search for the suspect continued.
With inputs from agencies