The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday opened with a special message. Host Stephen Colbert spoke directly to the audience at home, offering his reaction to the murder of political commentator Charlie Kirk earlier that day.
The Late Show finished writing Wednesday night's episode prior to the news breaking that Kirk had died from a gunshot wound suffered during a speaking engagement at a Utah college. However, Colbert did not let the news go by without acknowledging the tragedy.
“Our condolences go out to his family and all of his loved ones,” Colbert said. The late-night TV host later added "and I pray with all my heart that this is the aberrant action of a madman, and not a sign of things to come.”
Colbert attempted to put the incident in context by reflecting on America's history of political violence. The 61-year-old comedian shared some of his experiences growing up in the turbulent era of the 1960s.
“I’m 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," Colbert lamented. "Political violence only leads to more political violence."
There isn't much public history between Colbert and Kirk. The Late Show host has made passing references to the right-wing activist in his monologues over the years. For his part, Kirk previously weighed in on CBS's decision to cancel The Late Show in 2026
It goes without saying that Colbert and Kirk shared opposing political views. It's also no shock to hear Colbert express his condolences and condemn acts of politically-motivated violence.
Based on the timing of the story, Colbert was the only late-night TV host to address Kirk's death on-air on Wednesday night. Jimmy Kimmel referenced the shooting on social media, but fans should expect him to have more to say on Thursday night. That also goes for Seth Meyers on Late Night and Michael Kosta, tonight's host of The Daily Show.