While some politicians used the shooting to make political points, most stuck to more unifying messages of support or condemnations of violence.

WASHINGTON — Top Republicans and Democrats largely coalesced to mourn conservative activist Charlie Kirk and condemn politically motivated violence after he was shot and killed Wednesday at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.

Calling Kirk “great, and even legendary,” President Donald Trump announced his death on Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon.

“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote. “He was loved and admired by ALL.”

White House officials had huddled earlier in the afternoon as they tried to obtain more information on the shooting and Kirk’s condition, a sense of shock permeating a building where Kirk, 31, was well-respected and viewed as a strong ally of Trump’s. At least one expletive could be heard as officials shut the door to the room where they gathered.

After Kirk’s death was announced, flags above the White House were lowered to half-staff. Eric Trump, the president’s son, also said flags would be flown at half-staff at all Trump properties.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and frequent Trump critic who hosted Kirk on his podcast this year, decried the shooting on X shortly after it occurred.

“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” Newsom wrote. “In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”

Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point, which organizes and mobilizes young conservative activists, died after he was rushed to a hospital. He had been speaking about mass shooting incidents involving trans people when he was shot in the neck. Gruesome video of the attack quickly proliferated on social media.

While some politicians used the shooting to make political points — including Republicans accusing liberals of inciting violence with rhetoric and Democrats arguing for tighter gun regulations — most stuck to more unifying messages offering prayers for Kirk and his family, condemnations of violence or both.

Vice President JD Vance posted a prayer on X: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.” In an earlier message, sent shortly after Kirk was shot, he praised Kirk for engaging in open conversation with allies and critics alike.

“If you actually watch Charlie’s events — as opposed to the fake summaries — they are one of the few places with open and honest dialogue between left and right,” Vance wrote. “He would answer any question and talk to everyone.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic nominee for president, wrote on X: “I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family.

“Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence,” she added.

In the immediate aftermath, it was not clear who shot Kirk. But some elected officials and prominent figures were quick to point fingers and try to score political points.

“Conservative, liberal, whatever you are, you shouldn’t be shot for your beliefs,” Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., told NBC News. “And I hope that every single Democrat across the country will stand up and acknowledge that they have a problem within their party.”