Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and co‑founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, prompting an outpouring of reactions from celebrities and public figures across the political spectrum. He was 31 years old.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jimmy Kimmel, Chris Pratt, Rosie O'Donnell, Kid Rock and more Hollywood stars posted tributes on social media.
The shooting of a prominent political organizer at a college event raised immediate national concern about political violence, campus safety and the risks faced by high‑profile speakers.
Authorities are treating the incident as an active homicide investigation and a manhunt for a suspected shooter; the event has intensified discussion about civility and the protection of public‑facing figures.
The gunshot that killed Kirk was fired from a rooftop while he addressed an audience estimated at roughly 3,000 people, the Associated Press reported. Kirk was taken to a hospital but later pronounced dead.
Turning Point USA confirmed Kirk's death in a statement posted to social media: "It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA's 'The American Comeback Tour' campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025."
"May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time."
President Donald Trump said 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!"
Jimmy Kimmel Live! host Jimmy Kimmel said on Instagram: "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."
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert host Stephen Colbert said on his show on Wednesday, per Deadline: "After our scripts for tonight's show were finished this afternoon, we here at The Late Show learned that Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist was killed at a speaking engagement in Utah. Our condolences go out to his family and all of his loved ones. 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. Political violence only leads to more political violence, and I pray with all my heart that this is the abhorrent action of a mad man and not a sign of things to come."
Actor and comedian Russell Brand said on X: "He was a good, strange Christian man. Dear God please comfort his family. This may be the Turning Point he dedicated his short life to. RIP 'Right-Wing Rainman'."
Rosie O'Donnell shared a photo of Kirk at Wednesday's event to Instagram and said: "no just no - do not become the murderer - this is wrong on every level- #werallamericans."
John Rich, one half of the country music duo Big & Rich, said on X: "It was an honor to know Charlie Kirk, and sing at his events. He was a true Christian, and is now seeing Jesus face to face. Pray for his family and friends. RIP Charlie, you made a difference in this world, and you will be sorely missed."
Hercules actor James Woods said on X: "I enjoyed dinners with Charlie, but worried for his safety. 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. And they murdered him for it."
Rob Schneider said on X: "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. Deuteronomy 32:35 'To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand; and the things that shall come upon them make haste.' May Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior bless and heal our brother Charlie; and give peace to his family and friends at this time."
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von host Theo Von said on X: "Truly at a loss for words. Just feel sick. I didnt [sic] know Charlie but admired his bravery and admired how he got the youth engaged. Prayers for his family and those who knew him. This feels scary and heartbreaking."
Roseanne Barr said on X: "Ignore the demons. Especially online. They want you angry and traumatized. Band together in love for Charlie."
Dr. Phil said on X: "Charlie Kirk, husband, father, friend, American, has been assassinated. His spirit, passion and message will live on. Prayers for his soul and his wife and children."
Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Governor of California, said on X: "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. If we can't agree on anything else, we must find agreement that we don't solve our debates with violence. This is a horrible tragedy. May it also be a moment for everyone to rediscover their humanity."
Chrisley Knows Best star Savannah Chrisley wrote on Instagram: "I am numb. I can't believe I'm even writing these words. 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,d devastated beyond words."
"Charlie wasn't just a leader or a voice for the youth...he was a believer in Christ.His faith anchored everything he did.And I know with certainty that while we've lost him here,he is now fighting for us all in heaven,standing boldly before the Lord,jus as he did here on earth."
"He believed in me and in my family when the world turned its back.He saw potential;he spoke life into us;and he reminded me that God still had a plan even when I couldn't see it myself.That kind of belief changes you forever."
"Take politics out of it...Charlie was a young man,a husband,and a father.He had so much life left to live.My heart aches for Erika and their children.No words will ever be enough to fill the space his love once held."
"Charlie...you changed America.You changed me.You changed my family.Rest easy,my friend.Heaven has gained a warrior."
Former NFL star Tim Tebow said on X: "I'm shocked and devastated to learn about the passing of Charlie Kirk. 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. Demi and I are praying for Erika, his two children, and everyone who loved him."
Kid Rock said on X: "God Bless Charlie Kirk. A true PATRIOT. Pray for him. Kid Rock."
Biggest Loser alum Jillian Michaels said on X: "Today the world lost a father,a husband,and a cultural force who encouraged honest debate and communication with those who disagreed.I'm utterly heartbroken and my prayers are with his family.He had such a powerful voice my young son took three flights just to shake his hand.Charlie was magnanimous and gracious -- he welcomed me onto his podcast,invitied me to his events,and offered me his platform even when we did not see eye to eye on certain topics.It’s a very rare and special soul who does that."
"The hatred that has seeped into our culture must stop. If we give in to this anger, if we allow hate to breed hate, we lose not only lives but our very humanity. We have got to reject this darkness -- in our media, in our politics, and within ourselves. Let's take the pain of this loss as a solemn call to ensure it never happens again. All of our leaders on both sides of the aisle, of all colors, all genders, and all orientations need to set a better example. Come together. Choose empathy, understanding, and unity -- in honor of Charlie, for the sake of our culture,and the well-being of generations to come. Rest in peace,charlie."
Chris Pratt said on X: "Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God's grace. God help us."
Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson didn't share his own statement but reposted a message from Torrey Smith on X: "Celebrating the death of someone you don't share the same beliefs as is wild. Seeing it play out in real time is disgusting."
Kansas City Chiefs star Harrison Butker said on X: "Thank you for your strong witness for Christ @charliekirk11. Thank you for pursuing truth and leading your family as a husband and father. Eternal rest grant unto them,O Lord,and let perpetual light shine upon them.May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed ,through the mercy of God ,rest in peace .Amen ."
Actor Josh Duhamel said on Instagram : "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 ."
Jason Aldean's wife ,Brittany Aldean ,said on Instagram : "This is a heartbreak so many of us will never get over.Charlie was a father,husband,son,friend and so much more.One of the most intelligent people we've ever met,fighting for everything right in this world.He put everything on the line to be a voice for those who weren't able.I admired him.His courage,his intelligence,his faith....there will truly never be another like him.Charlie you will forever be missed.Trying to find peace in the fact that he's in heaven shining down on us all,because man he loved Jesus and there's no doubt that's what he's doing.Accepted into the arms of Jesus as a good & faithful servant."
As of Thursday morning,a manhunt is still underway.Two people initially thought to be suspects were later released;authorities said ,per Associated Press .
Utah Valley University remains closed.A statement on the school's website reads:"Campus Closure Until September 15 ,2025 .We are shocked by the tragic events today .This is an ongoing investigation ."
Kirk is survived by his wife ,Erika Kirk ,and their two young children .