Former President Donald Trump condemned the “radical left” on Wednesday following the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, a prominent figure in conservative politics. Kirk, 31, was killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University, raising concerns about escalating political violence in the United States.

In a video posted to his Truth Social account, Trump described the incident as a “dark moment for America.” He referred to Kirk as a “martyr for truth” and criticized the left for their rhetoric. “For years those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals,” Trump said. He added, “This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today.” Trump vowed to hold accountable those who contributed to the violence, including organizations that support it.

Kirk was shot while addressing a large audience. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a single gunshot, followed by chaos as attendees reacted to the situation. Investigators believe the shot came from a rooftop, fired by an individual dressed in black, indicating a targeted attack. There was initial confusion regarding a suspect, as FBI Director Kash Patel tweeted that a “subject” had been detained, only to later clarify that the individual had been released after questioning.

In recognition of Kirk’s influence, Trump ordered flags at government buildings, including the White House, to be flown at half-staff until Sunday. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us,” Trump stated.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox labeled the incident a “political assassination” and urged Americans to reflect on the current state of political discourse. “We just need every single person in this country to think about where we are and where we want to be,” he said.

Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was present at the event, recounted the moments leading up to the shooting. He noted that Kirk was answering questions from the audience when the gunfire erupted. “As soon as that shot went out, he fell back,” Chaffetz said, describing the panic that ensued.

Kirk was a significant figure in U.S. politics, known for mobilizing support for Trump among younger voters. He co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, promoting conservative values and policies through social media and public speaking engagements. His death has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum.

Vice President JD Vance expressed his condolences on social media, while right-wing media personality Tomi Lahren called Kirk a “visionary.” Figures on the left also condemned the violence. Former President Joe Biden stated, “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now.” California Governor Gavin Newsom described the attack as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”

Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a survivor of an assassination attempt, expressed her horror at the shooting. “Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence,” she said.

Kirk’s death follows a recent incident in Minnesota, where a Democratic lawmaker and her husband were shot and killed in their home.