Maria Shriver sent a bold political message after Charlie Kirk‘s death at 31.
On Wednesday, Sep. 10, Kirk’s spokesperson, Andrew Kolvet, confirmed the conservative commentator’s death to The New York Times. The Turning Point USA founder was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.
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After news of Kirk’s death broke, Shriver, 69—a registered Democrat and member of the Kennedy family and the ex-wife of former Republican California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger—took to Instagram to share her reaction.
“This is a violent act of hate that we must all denounce, all of us, regardless of party,” she wrote. “This is reprehensible, horrendous violence that affects each and every one of us.”
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In a second Instagram post about Kirk’s death, Shriver issued a statement about gun violence in the U.S.
“We should all condemn political violence. A young life cut down. A young family left to pick up the pieces,” she began. “This is not just a tragedy for his family. This is a tragedy for our country. No matter where you are on [the] political spectrum. This is something we can all condemn. This is a moment to stop, reflect, and reassess.”
For the featured image, Shriver included a shot of Kirk and his wife, Erika.
“Gun violence must be stopped. None of us are safe,” she concluded. “My heart goes out to Mr. Kirk’s family.”
Instagram followers took to Shriver’s comments to share similar sentiments, with one writing, “Rest in peace to him🙏🏾death shouldn’t be the cost of disagreement.”
Another shared, “Oh my goodness, I cannot even believe it. I didn’t even know who he was, but so young and just awful. I can’t believe this is happening again. 💔.”
Meanwhile, someone else wrote, “Maria – you put in words, the countries feelings…especially mine😢sad day for our homeland.”
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On Wednesday, a gunman allegedly fired shots from the Losee Center, located about 200 yards away from where Kirk sat at his “Prove Me Wrong” table during a speaking event for his American Comeback Tour.
“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” FBI Director Kash Patelwrote on X. “Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
Although a “person of interest” was taken into custody following the shooting, they have since been released as a manhunt continues for the unidentified suspect, CNN reported.
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