Following the assassination of conservative advocate Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez quickly linked the tragedy to gun violence and criticized Republican lawmakers for failing to act on gun control.

In a video posted by the Daily Caller News Foundation, AOC addressed reporters, emphasizing the need for action beyond rhetoric. “Every single day people are dying due to gun violence in America,” she said, pointing to the Capitol as she called on lawmakers to stop voting against gun reform measures.

Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot around 12:20 p.m. local time during a campus event organized by his group. According to Utah Valley University’s Associate Vice President Ellen Treanor, shots were fired from a building about 200 yards away from the speaker. Kirk was immediately taken away by security but later died from his injuries. The campus was closed for the day, and authorities apprehended a suspect.

AOC’s remarks reflect ongoing political debates around gun legislation, with Democrats pushing for tighter controls while Republicans emphasize different approaches. The assassination has intensified calls for action amid growing concerns about political violence in the U.S.