Kentucky US senator mourns Charlie Kirk, the escalation of political violence

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky said Thursday the shooting death of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was "heartbreaking."

Paul has spoken at numerous events around the country alongside Kirk in recent years and has been a victim himself of politically-motivated violence.

"I have actually participated in some of the university events," Paul said Thursday. "He and I did an event together at the University of New Hampshire a couple years ago where we would each give a presentation and we would take questions from the audience. (He's) probably one of the most articulate debaters and discussers of politics in America. You know if you watch his debate at Oxford a few years ago — just incredible. ... Just a sad day that we can't as adults have disagreements without people resorting to violence."

Kentucky US Senator Rand Paul interview — Pictured: this frame grab taken from video show Kentucky US Senator Rand Paul talks about the shooting death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. (WDRB image)

Paul also reflected on being a victim and witness to other recent acts of political violence. In 2017, Paul broke six ribs and lost part of his lung when he was attacked by his neighbor. That same year, Paul was also at the Congressional baseball practice in Washington where a gunman shot Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La.

The shooter fired off 160 rounds," Paul said of that shooting in 2017. "One staffer was killed 10 steps from me. Steve Scalise was nearly killed. ... I've been a victim of political violence and, I don't know, I've been one who thinks we can do better."

The sniper who assassinated Kirk is believed to have jumped off a roof and fled into a neighborhood after firing one shot and has not been identified, authorities said Thursday in disclosing they have recovered a high-powered, bolt-action rifle they believe was used in the attack and are reviewing video footage of the person they believe was responsible.

The shooter appeared to be of college age and blended in on the university campus where Kirk was killed Wednesday, said Beau Mason, the commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety. It remained unclear how far the shooter has traveled, though law enforcement officials say nearby woods where the rifle was found have been secured.

Even as law enforcement officials revealed new details about an attack they called targeted, much remained unclear nearly 24 hours later, including the sniper's identity, motive and whereabouts. Two people detained Wednesday were released after neither was determined to be connected to the shooting, but by Thursday officials expressed confidence they had tracked the shooter's movements on campus in the run-up to it.

Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was killed in broad daylight while speaking about social issues at a Utah Valley University campus courtyard. The circumstances brought renewed attention to the escalating threat of political violence in the United States that in the last several years has cut across the ideological spectrum. The killing drew bipartisan condemnation, but a national reckoning over ways to prevent political grievances from manifesting as deadly violence seemed elusive.

The attack was captured on grisly videos circulating on social media that show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone when suddenly a shot rings out. Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators gasp and scream before people start running away.

Trump said he would award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., while Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, were set to visit with Kirk's family in Salt Lake City. Vance posted a remembrance on X chronicling their friendship, dating back to initial messages in 2017, through Vance's Senate run and ultimately praying after hearing of the shooting. Kirk played a pivotal role in setting up Trump's second Republican administration, Vance wrote.

"So much of the success we've had in this administration traces directly to Charlie's ability to organize and convene," Vance wrote. "He didn't just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government."

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk assassinated at Utah university