Stephen Colbert slams political violence after Charlie Kirk's death: ‘Only leads to more violence’

OREM, UTAH: Stephen Colbert delivered a somber address Wednesday night about the shocking killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

'The Late Show' host, 61, opened the broadcast without his usual fanfare and instead looked straight into the camera from behind his desk, visibly shaken by the news that Kirk had been fatally shot earlier in the day at Utah Valley University.

Colbert explained to viewers that the tragedy unfolded after his team had already wrapped up that night’s scripts.

“After our scripts for tonight’s show were finished this afternoon, we here at 'The Late Show' learned that Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist, was killed at a speaking engagement in Utah,” he said. “Our condolences go out to his family and all of his loved ones.”

The activist, 31, was shot in the neck by someone who reportedly fired from a nearby building about 200 yards away. Kirk was later pronounced dead.

Stephen Colbert reflects on political violence

Colbert drew a chilling parallel to the social upheaval of the 1960s.

“I am old enough to personally remember the political violence of the 1960s, and I hope it is obvious to everyone in America that political violence does not solve any of our political differences,” he said.

“Political violence only leads to more political violence,” he added.

The host stressed that he hoped Kirk’s murder wasn’t the beginning of something bigger. “I pray with all my heart that this is the abhorrent action of a mad man and not a sign of things to come,” Colbert said, before handing the reins back to his previously taped episode. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, the show that we had prepared for you.”

The former 'Colbert Report' star, who has been a longtime critic of President Donald Trump and the GOP, is already staring down his own professional finale.

Back in July, Colbert revealed that CBS would not be renewing his contract when it expires in May 2026. That date will mark the end of 'The Late Show' after more than three decades on the air, since David Letterman first helmed the desk.

Jimmy Kimmel reacts as the authorities investigate Charlie Kirk shooting

Colbert wasn’t the only late-night voice to weigh in. Jimmy Kimmel called Kirk’s killing “horrible and monstrous” in an Instagram post. “On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents, and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence,” Kimmel wrote.

Meanwhile, authorities are still scrambling for answers. Though two individuals were briefly detained as persons of interest, both were released. The shooter remains at large as the FBI and Utah police lead a massive manhunt at the time of publication.

Kirk had quickly climbed the conservative ranks after co-founding the right-wing youth organization Turning Point USA. He leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, along with their three-year-old daughter and a 16-month-old son.