The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, has sent shockwaves across the country, with an outpouring of tributes flooding social media from figures in politics, entertainment, and beyond.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. Video footage of the attack, which shows the moment the shot rang out as Kirk was addressing the audience, quickly spread on social media. Following the news of his death, tributes began pouring in from both political figures and celebrities alike.
Donald Trump confirmed Kirk died in a Truth Social post (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Political Reactions
Donald Trump: The former president and close ally of Kirk paid tribute to the conservative figure. Trump wrote on Truth Social:
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Trump also ordered all U.S. flags to be flown at half-mast in Kirk’s memory until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.
Joe Biden: The current president expressed his condolences, writing on X:
“There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
Barack Obama: The former president also shared his thoughts on Kirk’s passing:
Barack Obama also said he was ‘praying’ for the family of Kirk (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
“We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
Kamala Harris: The former vice president condemned the attack, writing on X:
“I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family. Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.”
JD Vance: The current vice president simply wrote on X:
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.”
Celebrity Tributes
Beyond politics, celebrities from various fields shared their thoughts on the heartbreaking incident:
Chris Pratt:
“Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God help us.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger:
“My heart is with Charlie Kirk’s family, and with the United States. Politics has become a disease in this country, and it’s deadly. But don’t listen to the pessimists who say there is no cure. There is a cure. It is inside of us. We must find our better angels and walk back from the extremes.”
Jake Paul:
“Charlie Kirk got shot for telling the truth. That is literally it. What a mentally sick time we are living through. We need god more than ever. Praying for Charlie’s family and praying for these evil people to heal.”
Rob Schneider:
The comedian shared a heartfelt message:
“As we pray for our dear friend and brother in Christ, American Patriot, Father, Husband and son, Charlie Kirk… We know that our God is a loving God. And we must remember that vengeance is the Lord’s. Not ours.”
Jimmy Kimmel:
The talk show host called for unity in the face of such violence, posting:
“Instead of the angry-finger pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human. On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.”
Rosie O’Donnell:
The actress and activist shared an image of Kirk before the attack, captioning it:
“No just no – do not become the murderer – this is wrong on every level- #werallamericans.”
Candace Cameron Bure:
The actress posted an image of Kirk, with the words:
“We love you Charlie. Well done good and faithful servant.”
Josh Duhamel:
The actor also shared a photo of Kirk with his family, captioning it:
“RIP Charlie Kirk. Please remember, no matter what your political beliefs, that this man had a wife and two beautiful children who no longer have him. Please pray for this madness to stop.”
The Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is actively investigating the incident, having discovered key evidence. Authorities believe the suspect acted alone and are working diligently to bring justice to the victims.
The tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk has sparked a nationwide conversation about political violence and the dangers of extremism. As tributes continue to pour in, many are left grappling with the senselessness of the act and the loss of a prominent political figure who inspired so many.