Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The 31-year-old was roughly 20 minutes into his presentation when an assailant fired from a nearby building, leading to Kirk’s death shortly after being rushed to a hospital.
In response to this tragic event, celebrities, political leaders, and public figures expressed their sorrow and shared heartfelt tributes, reflecting on Kirk’s influence and the loss felt by his family and supporters. The incident has also reignited conversations about political violence and safety at public events nationwide.
Donald Trump’s Emotional Tribute to a Youth Advocate
Former President Donald Trump publicly confirmed Kirk’s death and offered a moving homage on his social platform Truth Social. Trump emphasized Kirk’s unique connection with young Americans, describing him as unparalleled in understanding the youth and loved widely, especially by himself.
He extended sympathies to Kirk’s wife Erika Frantzve Kirk and their two young children, noting the family’s profound loss and expressing personal affection for Kirk.
“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,”
—Donald Trump, former President of the United States
Trump also wrote,
“Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Donald Trump Jr. Reflects on His Close Bond with Kirk
Donald Trump Jr., son of the former president, shared his grief on social media by describing Kirk as “like a little brother” and an inspiration to millions worldwide. He highlighted Kirk’s courage, principles, and the devastating nature of his loss, both personally and for the nation.
“Charlie wasn’t just a friend—he was like a little brother to me—and to millions of people around the world,”
—Donald Trump Jr., political commentator and son of Donald Trump
He further added,
“We’ve lost a leader, a fighter, and a man whose character and conviction were rare. Too rare,”
and
“To think that his life was cut short by a brutal, heinous, evil act is beyond comprehension. It is horrible and it is heartbreaking.”
Chris Pratt Offers Prayers for Kirk’s Family and Country
Actor Chris Pratt, known for his role in Guardians of the Galaxy, was among the celebrities who publicly honored Kirk. He expressed his concern for Kirk’s wife and young children while underscoring the need for grace in the nation during this difficult time.
“Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God help us.”
—Chris Pratt, actor
Other Prominent Figures Speak Out Against Political Violence
Many influential people from various backgrounds condemned the attack and offered comfort to Kirk’s family. Former President Barack Obama called for peaceful discourse in the face of political violence, emphasizing that such acts have no place in democracy.
“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,”
—Barack Obama, former President of the United States
He also shared,
“Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff expressed their deep disturbance and condemned the violence, urging collective action to prevent further incidents.
“Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family,”
—Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States
Harris continued,
“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.”
Similarly, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden sent their prayers while reiterating that such violence must end immediately.
“No place in our country for this kind of violence,”
—Joe Biden, President of the United States
He added,
“It must end now.”
Entertainment Industry Expresses Mourning and Support
Several entertainers reflected on Kirk’s passing with messages of sympathy and calls for peace. Jimmy Kimmel described the shooting as a “horrible” and “monstrous” act, offering his family’s love to Kirk’s loved ones as well as all who suffer from senseless violence.
“we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless violence.”
—Jimmy Kimmel, late-night host
Dr. Phil acknowledged Kirk as a passionate husband, father, and friend, affirming that his spirit and message would endure.
“Charlie Kirk, husband, father, friend, American, has been assassinated,”
—Dr. Phil, television personality
He added,
“His spirit, passion and message will live on. Prayers for his soul and his wife and children.”
Actor James Woods shared personal experiences dining with Kirk, expressing concern for his safety amid political tensions and highlighting Kirk’s efforts to encourage open dialogue.
“I enjoyed dinners with Charlie, but worried for his safety,”
—James Woods, actor
He further stated,
“The left says they want ‘national conversations.’ Charlie Kirk actually did just that. In the lion’s den, no less, at left leaning venues, hoping facts and common sense would prevail.”
Comedian Russell Brand offered condolences to Kirk’s family, describing him as a “good, strange Christian man” and praying for comfort for those he left behind.
“He was a good, strange Christian man. Dear God please comfort his family.”
—Russell Brand, comedian
Political Leaders Call for Reflection and Unity
Former President Bill Clinton expressed both sadness and anger over the murder, urging the nation to engage in passionate yet peaceful debate.
“I hope we all go through some serious introspection and redouble our efforts to engage in debate passionately, yet peacefully,”
—Bill Clinton, former President of the United States
He, along with Hillary Clinton, kept Kirk’s family in their thoughts.
George W. Bush emphasized the sacred nature of college campuses as venues for open exchange and warned that violence and hostility must be removed from political discourse.
“It happened on a college campus, where the open exchange of opposing ideas should be sacrosanct,”
—George W. Bush, former President of the United States
He concluded with a prayer for Kirk’s family and for American civility.
“May God bless Charlie Kirk and his family, and may God guide America toward civility.”
Personal Tributes Highlight Kirk’s Impact on Friends and Family
Several personal connections also surfaced amid the public condolences. Reality TV star Savannah Chrisley expressed feeling “numb” over the loss of her longtime friend and introduced viewers to her memories of Kirk and his support.
“I can’t believe I’m even writing these words,”
—Savannah Chrisley, reality TV personality
She added,
“Charlie Kirk changed my life…he brought me into the Turning Point family this past year, and I was supposed to be standing next to him at every college this October. Instead, I sit here with a broken heart, devastated beyond words.”
“Rest easy, my friend. Heaven has gained a warrior.”
First Lady Melania Trump shared her grief specifically for Kirk’s children, reflecting on the irreplaceable absence left behind.
“They will be raised with stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should have echoed.”
—Melania Trump, First Lady of the United States
Key Allies Remember Kirk’s Role in Shaping Political Movements
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner also paid tribute to Kirk, recalling his vital role in the 2016 presidential campaign and the creation of the MAGA movement. Kushner described Kirk as a man of courage, compassion, and charisma who represented the best qualities of the movement.
“Charlie Kirk was a close friend and a special human being. He played a significant role in helping President Trump’s 2016 campaign, building and fostering the MAGA movement.”
—Jared Kushner, senior advisor and Ivanka Trump’s husband
He also said,
“To me, Charlie represented the best of MAGA. Firm in his beliefs, compassionate, curious, and respectful. He had huge allotments of courage, charisma, and character. The world lost a powerful force today, way before his time.”
Tim Tebow, former NFL player, expressed shock and devastation, highlighting Kirk’s commitment to faith, family, and leaving a meaningful legacy.
“Above all else, Charlie was a follower of Jesus, a husband, and a dad. He was a man of passion, courage, and devotion to making an eternal impact.”
—Tim Tebow, former NFL player
Reflection on the Aftermath and Call for Healing
The tragic death of Charlie Kirk has reverberated across political, entertainment, and civic circles, stirring a broad-ranging dialogue about political violence, safety, and unity in America. The loss of a young leader known for passionately engaging with youth has left an irreplaceable void for many communities.
As tributes continue, public conversations focus on preventing such violence and fostering a more civil, respectful discourse. Kirk’s family, especially his wife Erika and their young children, remain at the center of expressions of support and prayer, serving as a poignant reminder of the personal toll behind political tragedies.
