Gavin Newsom calls fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk ‘disgusting’
In the wake of the killing of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a speaking event in Utah Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom has rescheduled a political event to rally support for his redistricting effort.
The FAFO50 event was postponed until next week, according to Newsom’s political spokesperson Nathan Click.
Kirk, a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck while speaking on stage at Utah Valley University, according to his organization, Turning Point USA.
“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA’s ‘the American Comeback Tour’ campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025,” the organization said in a statement. “May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.”
UVU did not immediately respond to a request for comment if any suspects had been arrested.
“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. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family,” Trump wrote in a social media post.
Newsom hosted Kirk on his podcast in March. Kirk’s appearance and the governor’s comments angered members of the Democratic Party when Newsom said that he opposed allowing transgender athletes to compete in sports.
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,” Newsom wrote on social media Wednesday, prior to confirmation of Kirk’s death.
Kirk is best known as the leader of Turning Point USA, a far-right group that targets liberal students on college campuses, and as an architect of Trump’s effort to reach young conservatives.
Kirk’s appearance on several California university campus drew protests and led to confrontations. In 2023, Kirk spoke at UC Davis’ Credit Union Center, an event that prompted hundreds to protest the event. A Turning Point USA event in April on the UC Davis campus resulted in multiple physical altercations, though Kirk was not present at that specific event sponsored by his organization.
During his podcast interview with Kirk, Newsom also noted that his son Hunter, 14, was a fan, having discovered Kirk’s videos on YouTube via his school-issued iPad, and had pleaded with his father to stay home from school when he learned Newsom was hosting the Turning Point leader at his home for the podcast.
“He literally would not leave the house,” Newsom said. Later in the episode, the governor told Kirk he chose to host him on the show “because I think people need to understand your success, your influence, what you’ve been up to, and the fact that you’re on these college campuses.”
We should all feel a deep sense of grief and outrage at the terrible violence that took place in Utah today. Charlie Kirk’s murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones,” Newsom said in an official statement Wednesday. “I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate. His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse on issues that deeply affect us all without resorting to political violence.”
“The best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse. In a democracy, ideas are tested through words and good-faith debate — never through violence,” he said.
The FAFO50 event, featuring California and Texas lawmakers, political commentators, was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT Wednesday. It was intended to rally support for California’s effort to redraw its congressional maps in response to Texas’ recent decision to gerrymander its congressional districts.
“Trump and Texas Republicans want to steal Congressional seats and rig the midterms. If they are going to f*ck around, they are about to find out,” event organizers wrote in an Instagram post.
California leaders denounced the act of political violence Wednesday. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, called the shooting “disturbing and horrifying.”
“I condemn it in the strongest possible terms, and I urge all elected and public officials regardless of party affiliation to unite and speak out in peace and unity. We may disagree, but we must always do so without violence,” Rivas said in a statement.
Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, R-Santee, called the shooting a “purely evil act” that has “no place in civil society.”
“America is the greatest nation on earth largely because of our freedom to openly discuss and express our differences,” Jones said in a statement. “We cannot allow political discourse to devolve into hatred and violence.”
Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Roseville, said he was “shock and beyond sickened” by the attack.” Other members of California’s congressional delegation expressed horror over the violent act.
“The increasing degree of political violence in this country is a threat to everyone. And it must end,” Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said in a statement.
In recent years there have been numerous high-profile acts of political violence. While on the campaign trail last year Trump faced multiple assassination attempts. In June, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in their home.
“America was founded on the freedom to disagree. Political violence has no place in our democracy,” Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said in a statement.
Utah Valley University said classes were cancelled, and the campus had closed after the shooting. A UVU spokesperson did not immediately respond to a question about whether a suspect had been arrested or if a firearm had been recovered.
Trump issued an executive order for all flags to be flown at half-staff at federal buildings, the White House, Naval Observatory, and military bases, to honor Kirk’s memory.
This story was originally published September 10, 2025 at 2:19 PM.
