Overview

• California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the assassination “sick and reprehensible” in a formal statement.
• He said the best way to honor Kirk is to pursue spirited, good‑faith discourse rather than violence, asserting that honest disagreement strengthens democracy.
• Kirk, 31, was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University, according to the reports.
• Newsom had hosted Kirk on the inaugural episode of his This Is Gavin Newsom podcast in March, where their conversation was largely cordial despite ideological differences.
• Mediaite highlighted Newsom’s recollection that his 13‑year‑old son wanted to skip school to meet Kirk and his praise for Kirk’s campus organizing and TikTok presence.