The House of Representatives descended into chaos on Wednesday following a moment of silence for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University. Speaker Mike Johnson led the tribute, after which Rep. Lauren Boebert requested a prayer, triggering vocal objections from Democrats. Tensions boiled over when Rep. Anna Paulina Luna shouted at Democrats, blaming them for the incident, while Democrats countered with calls for gun reform.

The heated exchange highlighted deep political divides over gun violence. Democrats referenced a separate Colorado school shooting earlier that day, intensifying their demand for new gun laws. Republicans, however, expressed anger over what they saw as the left’s role in escalating political rhetoric. Rep. Nancy Mace echoed Luna’s remarks, asserting Democrats bear responsibility for fostering an environment of hostility.

Earlier, Rep. Cory Mills introduced a resolution initially addressing the shooting before Kirk’s death was confirmed. He later revised the resolution to denounce what he called a “horrific political assassination.” Speaker Johnson also condemned political violence, urging Americans to resolve disputes civilly and reject extremism, regardless of political affiliation.

Charlie Kirk, 31, was the co-founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization focused on engaging young Americans with right-leaning values. He was considered a close ally of former President Donald Trump. Trump, in a Truth Social post, called Kirk “great and legendary,” offering condolences to Kirk’s family and praising his influence on youth.

Footage from the event shows Kirk speaking under a tent before a gunshot rings out and the crowd scatters in panic. The shooting occurred around 12:20 p.m., with the gunman firing from roughly 200 yards away. Kirk was quickly evacuated by security but later died from his injuries.

Shortly before the attack, Kirk was answering a controversial question about transgender mass shooters. His remarks just moments before the fatal shot added fuel to ongoing debates about political speech, violence, and accountability in America.