Roses and candles are placed next to a picture of Charlie Kirk during a vigil in front of the US Embassy after US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University, Orem, US, in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 11, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

The Jewish communities of the US and Israel mourned conservative political activist Charlie Kirk in the aftermath of his assassination on Wednesday, describing him as a champion of free speech and supporter of the Jewish state who was killed out of pure hatred.

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, where he was engaging in dialogue with students. He is survived by his wife and two young children. A young Utah man — Tyler Robinson, 22 — was taken into custody on Thursday night as the suspected shooter, about 33 hours after the assassination, according to state and federal law enforcement.

Kirk was an outspoken supporter of Israel and advocate against antisemitism. He regularly debated students on the subject of Israel and brought his ideas to young people at a time when, according to recent polling, that age group was turning decidedly against the Jewish state. 

“There’s a dark Jew hate out there, and I see it,” Kirk told a student during a podcast episode which aired earlier this year. “Don’t get yourself involved in that. I’m telling you it will rot your brain. It’s bad for your soul. It’s bad. It’s evil. I think it’s demonic.”

In response to Kirk’s murder, Jewish groups and leaders across the US and Israel expressed their grief and horror.

“Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on X.

“I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place. We lost an incredible human being. His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact,” Netanyahu continued.

“I am shocked by the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. Israel has lost a true friend and huge ally,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog added in his own statement. :I strongly condemn this terrible act of violence, and together with all the Israeli people, send my thoughts and prayers to Charlie’s wife, children, and all his loved ones.”

Similarly, the X account of the State of Israel emphasized that Kirk “was a steadfast friend of Israel and a true ally of the Jewish people. He stood proudly for the Judeo-Christian values that bind Israel and America. Charlie’s fearless commitment to truth and freedom cost him his life. Violence may have taken him, but it cannot silence his legacy. May his memory be a blessing.”

Charlie Kirk was a steadfast friend of Israel and a true ally of the Jewish people.
He stood proudly for the Judeo-Christian values that bind Israel and America.

Charlie’s fearless commitment to truth and freedom cost him his life.
Violence may have taken him, but it cannot… pic.twitter.com/n76RDO9Dem

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) September 11, 2025

In addition to Israeli leaders expressing their shock and grief, so too did the religious movements of American Jewry.

The Orthodox Union posted on X a straightforward question: “What has become of us?”

“Today, September 10, is a day for our nation to strengthen its internal bonds as we prepare to commemorate the devastation brought upon America by enemies who continue to threaten us,”the group wrote. “Instead of coming together, we have witnessed another horrific act of political violence, another effort to tear our country apart. This must stop. We pray for the family of Charlie Kirk and for the future of the United States of America.”

The Religious Action Center, the political arm of the Reform movement, posted on BlueSky, “We are horrified by the violent attack on Charlie Kirk today in Utah. Yet again, the scourge of gun violence has caused terrible harm. We are praying for Mr. Kirk’s well-being and full recovery. Political violence has no place in our culture.”

And the Union for Reform Judaism added that “we remember that the nation’s future depends on overcoming our differences in ways that respect the humanity of those with whom we disagree.”

Jewish communal organizations made statements as well. 

“This disturbing act of political violence has no place in our society and must be condemned across the political spectrum,” the American Jewish Committee posted on X. “We are heartbroken and outraged by the murder of Charlie Kirk and this horrific act of senseless violence. Our hearts are with Charlie’s beloved young family. May his memory be a blessing.”

Jonathan Greenblat, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, wrote on X that “the murder of Charlie Kirk is terrifying, and we condemn the violence. Our deepest condolences to his family.”

Kirk was the founder of the conservative political organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA), which aimed to engage the youth vote and turn Gen Z into conservative voters and activists.