Stephen Colbert Condemns Political Violence After Charlie Kirk’s Death
In a heartfelt segment on the evening of October 4, 2023, Stephen Colbert addressed the tragic shooting death of prominent right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk was shot during a speaking engagement at a college event in Utah. He was 31 years old. Colbert’s remarks, which aired before the opening credits of “The Late Show,” emphasized the dangers of political violence.
Colbert’s Call for Unity
Colbert began by expressing his condolences to Kirk’s family and loved ones. “After our scripts for tonight’s show were finished, we learned that Charlie Kirk was killed at a speaking engagement in Utah,” he stated solemnly. He reflected on his memories of political violence from the 1960s, urging viewers to understand that such actions do not resolve political differences.
“Political violence only leads to more political violence,” Colbert warned. He expressed a hope that the shooting was an isolated incident rather than a harbinger of future violence. “I pray with all my heart that this is the aberrant action of a madman and not a sign of things to come,” he added, before moving on to the prepared show.
Responses from the Entertainment Community
Colbert’s condemnation of political violence was echoed by fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who took to Instagram shortly after the news broke. Kimmel called for an end to “the angry finger pointing” that often follows such tragedies. “Can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?” he wrote, extending condolences to Kirk’s family and all victims of senseless gun violence.
The incident also captured the attention of political figures, including former President Donald Trump, who announced Kirk’s death on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump described Kirk as “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk,” praising his understanding of the youth in America. He extended condolences to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and family, stating, “Charlie, we love you!”
The shooting of Charlie Kirk has reignited discussions about political violence in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and understanding across divides. As tributes continue to pour in, many are calling for a collective effort to address the growing tensions within the political landscape.
