Jewish, Israeli leaders call for prayers and end to political violence after Charlie Kirk is shot

Israeli and pro-Israeli US Jews are among those expressing concern after Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist who founded Turning Point USA and emerged as a leading voice of the pro-Trump right, was shot during an appearance in Utah.

The incident occurred around midday as Kirk launched into remarks for his “American Comeback” campus tour at Utah Valley University in Orem. Video from the scene shows a single gunshot striking Kirk in the neck, causing panic among attendees. He has been rushed to a nearby hospital and is said to be in critical condition.

Prominent politicians from both US political parties quickly condemn the violence. President Donald Trump, who has counted Kirk as one of his most loyal surrogates, calls him “a great guy” and urges supporters to “pray for Charlie.”

Utah Senator Mike Lee and Governor Spencer Cox also issue statements of support. California Governor Gavin Newsom posts on X: “The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”

Israeli leaders and Jewish activists, some of whom have developed relationships with Kirk through his pro-Israel activism, also react with alarm. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posts on X: “Praying for @charliekirk11.” Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli writes: “Praying for Charlie.”

And Shabbos Kestenbaum, a right-wing American Jewish activist, urges his followers: “Please stop what you’re doing and pray for our friend Charlie Kirk. Many in the Jewish community are reciting chapters from the Book of Psalms, and I ask you to do the same. Something is deeply broken in America. The political violence must END. GOD HELP AMERICA.”

Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 while still a teenager. The organization has grown into a powerful platform for conservative youth activism, hosting major conferences and expanding into high schools and churches. Kirk became a regular commentator on Fox News and other right-wing outlets, building a reputation as an outspoken critic of higher education, liberal policies and what he calls “woke culture.”

Kirk’s Turning Point USA has maintained ties with pro-Israel organizations and regularly hosts pro-Israel speakers at its conferences. Kirk himself has traveled to Israel and praised Trump’s policies regarding the Jewish state, including the 2018 US embassy move to Jerusalem.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.