Stephen Colbert issued a blunt political response to Charlie Kirk‘s death on The Late Showfollowing the right-wing activist’s fatal shooting.
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the Turning Point USA founder died at age 31 after he was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. The suspect is still at large as a manhunt continues.
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Later that night, Colbert, 61, addressed Kirk’s tragic death during the opening remarks of his late-night show.
“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 began his message. “Our condolences go out to his family and all of his loved ones.”
Colbert concluded, “I’m old enough to personally remember the political violence in 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 madman and not a sign of things to come.”
In the comments of a YouTube video of Colbert’s remarks, viewers lauded Colbert for his “classy” response.
One fan shared, “I always appreciate that Stephen comes on before a segment and speaks if something has happened suddenly, and they didn’t have time to address before taping the show. It’s kind, classy, and respectful. I’m glad he does it. Thank you.”
Another wrote, “Stephen—always a class act…sensitivity when it matters. ❤️ The monologue was fire, tonight, too…we love you!!”
Someone else echoed, “Stephen Colbert always takes the high road.❤️ .”
Meanwhile, yet another viewer commented, “Thank you for the classy opening, which is exactly why we love you ❤️.”
On Wednesday, a gunman reportedly fired shots from the Losee Center, located about 200 yards away from where Kirk sat at his “Prove Me Wrong” table during a speaking engagement as part of his American Comeback Tour. A “person of interest” was arrested but released from custody as a manhunt continues, CNN reported.
We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. 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…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025
“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.”
Next: Candace Cameron Bure Issues Direct Response to Critics of Her Message About Charlie Kirk’s Death
