‘Truly horrifying’: Jake and Spike condemn Utah shooting, pray for Charlie Kirk’s family

Charlie Kirk, a political activist and father of two, has died after he was shot Wednesday while hosting a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.

KIRO hosts Jake Skorheim and Spike O’Neill condemned acts of violence against individuals who voice differing opinions, calling for better alternatives on “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio.

“It’s truly horrifying. There are a lot of people who disagree with him politically, but this is not the way to handle it,” Jake said. “Clearly, the shooter is an insane individual.”

“This is sad. It’s heartbreaking and infuriating all at the same time. It’s awful,” Spike responded.

Charlie Kirk shot and killed while hosting an event in Utah

Kirk was visiting Utah Valley University for The American Comeback Tour, which is hosted by the Turning Point USA chapter at Utah Valley. He is known to frequent college campuses and debate political topics with students.

“[Kirk] does these podcasts that were really instrumental in Donald Trump’s candidacy for his second win to the White House,” Jake said. “He does events at these universities where he speaks in front of students and he debates live in person.”

Utah Valley University confirmed that one bullet was fired during the event. Videos showed Kirk reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushed from the left side of his neck.

“I don’t agree with anything the guy thinks, or says, or does, but I’ll pray for his family today,” Spike said. “I’ll curse the idiocy and the lunacy that leads to the people who are committing these shootings.”

High-profile personalities’ need for heightened security

Kirk’s events have garnered national attention for his open debates with college students on controversial topics. These events can attract thousands of individuals looking to either participate in a conversation with Kirk or watch from afar.

“[Kirk] draws thousands and thousands of students, and I believe he has 24/7 security,” Jake said. “It looks as if there are snipers on the roof to protect against this very thing. He is a very controversial figure.”

Spike questioned whether Kirk’s security detail was equipped to handle an event with a large capacity, such as the one at Utah Valley University.

“You can see in the video how large this crowd was, which makes it an untenable position for security officers,” Spike said. “President Trump travels with these safe perimeters, speaking behind bulletproof glass. But now we have commentators that need this kind of security, that’s what we’ve escalated to.”

There are plans for a vigil for Kirk in Seattle in Westlake Park Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Contributing: Frank Sumrall; MyNorthwest

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