California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Wednesday’s shooting of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk—but his words of concern come just weeks after he used violent rhetoric to attack Republicans.
Kirk was shot in the neck during a student Q&A event at Utah Valley University. As of this writing, he remains in critical condition. The university confirmed the suspect is in custody, and authorities say a single shot was fired targeting the conservative speaker.
Shortly after the incident, Newsom posted to 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.”
Critics were quick to highlight Newsom’s hypocrisy. Just last month, on “The Siren Podcast,” Newsom declared, “I’m going to punch these sons of bitches in the mouth,” referring to Republicans including President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. He claimed they were “vandalizing democracy” and vowed to “fight fire with fire.”
Breitbart’s Joel Pollak, who first reported the comments, noted the governor’s double standard: condemning political violence publicly while fueling hostility behind the microphone.
President Trump also responded to the Kirk shooting with a Truth Social post: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
The incident has reignited concerns about political violence in America, particularly as rhetoric escalates heading into the 2026 election season. Kirk has been a frequent target of left-wing hostility due to his strong defense of traditional values, conservative policies, and outspoken opposition to the transgender movement.
Ironically, Newsom hosted Kirk on his own podcast earlier this year, where Kirk pressed the governor on his support for transgender athletes in women’s sports—leading Newsom to admit the issue was “deeply unfair.”
