Hollywood’s bright lights are dimming a bit this week as many stars share their sadness over the death of Charlie Kirk. The controversial conservative commentator, just 31 years old, passed away after a shooting.
News broke on Wednesday, September 10, that Kirk was shot and killed during a conference in Utah. It was a shocking piece of news that quickly spread.
President Donald Trump was among the first to speak out. He wrote on his Truth Social platform, “The great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk, has died.” Trump added, “Nobody understood or had the heart of America’s youth better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by all, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.” Soon after, major news networks like CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News confirmed the sad news.
Kirk, known as a conservative political activist and the founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. Reports say a single shot was fired on campus from about 200 meters away. Kirk was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead. His organization, Turning Point USA, shared a heartfelt note with staff and supporters. “With great sadness, we, the leadership team of Turning Point USA, write to inform you that this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven,” the group announced, according to CNN. Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children.
Stars from various fields have been sending their tributes to Kirk. Here’s a look at what they’ve shared:
Chris Pratt
The Marvel star shared his prayers on X. He wrote, “Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God, help us.”
John Owen Lowe
Lowe posted a message to his Instagram Stories. “Horrible. Pray for our country,” he said. “Condemn violence from any side. Let’s unite, find love, find unity. Prayers to God.”
Candace Cameron Bure
“We love you, Charlie,” she posted on Instagram. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Danica Patrick
The former NASCAR driver shared her dismay on Instagram Stories. “I can’t believe it. What is wrong with people? We have a mental health epidemic,” she wrote. “I pray deeply for his family and for everyone who knows and loves him.”
Donald Trump
In a statement shared by the White House’s X account, the president reiterated his grief. “The great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk, has passed away. Nobody understood or had the heart of America’s youth better than Charlie,” Trump wrote. “Everyone loved and admired him, especially me, and now he is no longer with us. Melania and I send our condolences to his beautiful wife Erika and his family. Charlie, we love you!”
Scott Jennings
Before Kirk’s death was confirmed, the CNN commentator tweeted, “Pray for Charlie. Pray for our country. Pray for the innocent.” Jennings later became emotional on air as he announced Kirk’s passing and discussed his impact on political conversations.
Bernie Sanders
The Democratic senator also offered his condolences on X. “Political violence has no place in this country. We must condemn this horrible attack,” Sanders wrote. “My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family.”
Piers Morgan
Morgan called Kirk’s death “heartbreaking” in a social media statement. “Charlie always welcomed debate with anyone. This is disgusting and heartbreaking,” Morgan added. “RIP, Charlie.”
Jimmy Kimmel
The late-night host also shared a tribute on social media. “Instead of pointing fingers in anger, can we for one day at least agree that it’s horrible and monstrous to shoot another human being?” Kimmel wrote on Instagram. “On behalf of my family, we send our love to the Kirks and to all children, parents, and innocents who are victims of senseless gun violence.”
Gracie Hunt
The Kansas City Chiefs heiress said on her Instagram Stories that she was “in shock” over Kirk’s death.
Peter Weber
The former “Bachelor” shared a video of Kirk speaking on his Instagram Stories. He wrote, “I am completely heartbroken. Thank you @CharlieKirk1776, you truly made a mark on this world. RIP, legend.”
Savannah Chrisley
The “Chrisley Knows Best” alum shared her sadness over her friend’s death in an emotional TikTok video. She said, “Today has been a tough day. These past two and a half years have been some of the hardest I’ve had to endure, but in those two and a half years, I’ve met so many wonderful people and lifelong friends, and one of those people who welcomed me into his world was Charlie Kirk.”
She continued in the post, “I’m in shock. 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 by his side at every college this October. Instead, I’m sitting here heartbroken, devastated beyond words.”
Josh Duhamel
The “Ransom Canyon” star took to Instagram to share his message. “RIP Charlie Kirk. Please remember, no matter what your political beliefs are, this man had a wife and two beautiful children who no longer have him,” Duhamel wrote. “Please pray for this madness to stop.”
Jessie James Decker
James Decker shared on her Instagram Stories that she is “praying for” Kirk’s wife and children. “This is heartbreaking,” she added. “It turns my stomach.”
Ashley Iaconetti
“My heart is heavy and sad,” the “Bachelor Nation” alum wrote on her Instagram Stories. “I pray for the Kirk family and for all victims of violence this week.”
Josh Murray
Before news of Kirk’s death was confirmed, Murray asked for prayers for his friend on Instagram. “My friend is a good man, a man who loves the Lord and a protector of his family and Christian values,” Murray wrote. “Today, during an event, an unhinged lunatic cowardly shot him, and he is fighting for his life. Lord, please protect Charlie and his family and be with them in this very tragic and difficult time.”
Raelynn
The country singer wrote a moving note in honor of Kirk’s wife, whom she called her “godly friend.” “My beautiful, brave, incredible, and godly friend lost her husband, and her two beautiful babies lost their father today,” Raelynn wrote on Instagram. “He was shot not while carrying a weapon, but while holding a microphone. He didn’t attack anyone; he simply spoke and debated using a right we all have: freedom of speech. Jesus, please cover this family and be with Erika. ‘I am the resurrection and the life.'”
Lindsay Arnold
The former “Dancing With the Stars” pro said Kirk’s death, which happened in her hometown of Utah, “turned her stomach.” “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, and especially with the Kirk family for their loss,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories.
Witney Carson
Another “DWTS” professional, Carson, shared on her Instagram Stories that she “has been crying and praying” for Kirk’s children, wife, and other family members. “This is disgusting and wrong,” she added about the fatal shooting.
Harrison Butker
The Kansas City Chiefs kicker shared his last text messages with Kirk in a social media post on Wednesday. “Thank you for your firm testimony of Christ, Charlie. Thank you for seeking truth and leading your family as a husband and father,” he wrote in the caption. “Grant them, Lord, eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”