Dr. Umar Johnson has spoken out against those celebrating the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, urging restraint amid a wave of online reactions to the polarizing figure’s death.
In a statement posted to Instagram on Thursday, Johnson condemned the celebrations circulating across social media following Kirk’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University. The Philadelphia-based psychologist and activist acknowledged Kirk’s reputation for incendiary rhetoric but warned that rejoicing in his death undermines the values of dignity and justice.
“While I did not agree with Mr. Kirk’s rhetoric, and considered him to be an anti-Black bigot, I will never rejoice at the loss of life of anyone who hasn’t directly participated in the unaliving of a member of the Black Afrikan race,” Johnson wrote. He added, “I am ashamed to see members of my community celebrating this situation. I will never ask you to mourn the loss of an enemy of our race, but to celebrate an unaliving is completely unacceptable.”
Kirk, 31, co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was killed Wednesday evening after a gunman opened fire during his speech on gun violence in America. He was struck in the neck approximately 20 minutes into his remarks. Videos from the event showed panic inside the auditorium as audience members rushed for safety.
Federal investigators confirmed Thursday that they recovered a rifle believed to have been used in the shooting. The FBI’s Salt Lake City field office has not released details about a suspect or potential motive.
The killing sparked immediate political responses. President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social, calling Kirk “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.” Trump praised him as a powerful voice for conservative youth and extended condolences to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and his family.
For Johnson, the tragedy represents a deeper cultural test. He acknowledged Kirk’s record of inflammatory speech but insisted that vengeance should not dictate moral response. “Justice cannot be measured through vengeance,” he cautioned, framing his message as a reminder that violence leaves only grief, regardless of ideology.
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