(from left) (top) Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, (middle) Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera, (bottom) Suhas Subramanyam, Zohran Mamdani and Ghazala Hashmi / Ro Khanna website, REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein, Wikimedia commons, X/@Pramila Jayapal, X/@Ami Bera, Facebook/@Suhas Subramanyam, Reuters/David 'Dee' Delgado and X/@SenatorHashmi

Indian-American Democrat lawmakers have reacted sharply to the assassination of U.S. right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk. Congressman Ro Khanna described the attack as "chilling and horrific".

He added, "Political violence has no place in America. We all must reflect on how we can tone down the anger & hate that has poisoned our politics and be better citizens in a divided and aching nation."

Kirk, a vocal ally of President Donald Trump, was fatally shot in the neck on Sept. 10, at an event at a Utah university.

At the time of the incident, Kirk was in the university as part of his 'American Comeback Tour', starting with an appearance in Utah where he engaged students at a "Prove Me Wrong" table, inviting live debates. Known for drawing large crowds, he was seated at this table to answer audience questions when he was shot.

ALSO READ: Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk shot dead at Utah university event

Describing the incident as "unacceptable," Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said in a statement, "I’m horrified by the news that Charlie Kirk has been shot. My prayers are with him, his family, and all affected. Political violence is unacceptable in every form."

Krishnamoorthi, along with many of his democratic allies, have been long-term critics of Kirk's political views but have united in their condemnation of the attack.

In a cautionary note, he added, "If violence replaces dialogue, none of us are safe."

I’m horrified by the news that Charlie Kirk has been shot. My prayers are with him, his family, and all affected. Political violence is unacceptable in every form. If violence replaces dialogue, none of us are safe. pic.twitter.com/UFGWBBVIh0

— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) September 10, 2025

Michigan representative, Shri Thanedar, also echoed similar sentiments and noted, "No matter what your beliefs, political violence must be condemned at every turn. We must stand united in rejecting hate and division."  

Expressing support for Kirk's family, he added, "Sending prayers to Mr. Kirk and his family."

Rep. Pramila Jayapal took to social media to express her condemnation and highlighted that "political violence should have no place in this country and is never acceptable".

Ami Bera described the incident as a "horrific and deeply disturbing act of political violence".

Acknowledging political differences with Kirk, Rep. Bera added, "We may find some views deeply offensive or wrong — but we must reject violence as a means of resolving disputes. It corrodes the very foundation of our democracy and threatens the freedoms we all cherish."

The representative from California also stressed upon the need for bipartisan unity and further said, "In moments like these, we must rise above partisanship and reaffirm a simple truth: violence against anyone — Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative — has no place in our society. No person or political party is immune to this disturbing and growing trend. Above all else, we are Americans."

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam also expressed anguish over the attack and noted, "Political violence is deeply disturbing and has zero place in this country."

He added, "My thoughts are with his family at this time."

Political violence is deeply disturbing and has zero place in this country. I am deeply saddened by the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the rise in political violence. My thoughts are with his family at this time.

— Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) (@RepSuhas) September 10, 2025

The Democratic Nominee for Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, has also expressed anguish over the attacks and said on X, "I'm horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah."

He added, "Political violence has no place in our country."

Virginia State Senator and Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor, Ghazala Hashmi, also condemned the attack and noted, "The violent attack on Charlie Kirk is unacceptable. Political violence has no place in our country."

She also said, "My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children at this troubling moment."

The attack on Kirk can be categorized into the long list of politically motivated attacks and threats on both sides of American politics. President Trump was attacked twice in the run-up to the 2024 presidential elections. Melissa Hortman, the top Democrat in the Minnesota House, and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their home on June 14. Hortman's assassin had also allegedly made a hit-list including names of other Democratic leaders like Shri Thanedar and Raja Krishnamoorthi, among numerous others. 

ALSO READ: After Thanedar, Krishnamoorthi says his name was on Minnesota shooter’s hitlist