Former President Barack Obama has warned that the United States faces a “political crisis unlike anything we’ve seen in recent times” following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Speaking at an event in Pennsylvania, Obama said he did not personally know Kirk and often disagreed with his views, but described the shooting as “horrific and a tragedy.” He urged Americans to respect the rights of others to express opinions, even when they clash with their own.
Obama also drew a contrast between how past leaders responded during moments of crisis and the rhetoric he sees from Donald Trump and his allies. He praised leaders in both parties, including Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, for showing restraint and respect in the wake of recent political violence.
“I think at moments like this, when tensions are high, part of the president’s job is to bring people together,” Obama said.
The Shooting in Utah
Kirk, 31, was killed by a single gunshot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. Authorities have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with murder, weapons offenses, and other crimes, and prosecutors have announced they will seek the death penalty.
Investigators said Robinson admitted to being motivated by anger at what he described as Kirk’s “hatred.” Before Robinson’s arrest, several Trump allies blamed the killing on left-wing rhetoric.
Vice President JD Vance has called for exposing individuals who appeared to celebrate Kirk’s death or criticize him after the shooting. “Call them out—and call their employer,” Vance said while guest-hosting Kirk’s podcast.
Escalating Political Divide
Obama compared the current climate with past tragedies, pointing out that after the 2001 terror attacks, President George W. Bush stressed that the U.S. was not at war with Islam. He also noted that he himself resisted using a 2015 white supremacist church shooting to target political rivals.
“When I hear leaders today calling their opponents ‘vermin’ or suggesting they should be ‘targeted,’ that’s not just political rhetoric—it points to a much deeper problem we all need to confront,” Obama told the crowd.
The White House, however, rejected Obama’s remarks, accusing him of fueling division during his presidency.
A Nation on Edge
Obama’s speech underscores the raw emotions surrounding Kirk’s killing and the wider sense that American politics has reached a boiling point. With court proceedings underway in Utah and politicians on both sides pointing fingers, the tragedy has become another flashpoint in an already fractured nation.