Donald Trump Speaks Out After Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot at Utah Event
President Donald Trump is paying tribute.
The 79-year-old spoke out on Charlie Kirk's death hours after the conservative activist was fatally shot at a speaking event at Utah Valley University. He was 31.
"I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah," he said in a video message Sept. 10. "Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror."
Trump went on to highlight Kirk's impact and his passion for debate.
"His mission was to bring young people into the political process which he did better than anyone ever," the politician continued. "He championed his ideas with courage, logic, humor and grace. It's a long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible."
Trump shared, "This is a dark moment for America."
Kirk—who co-founded conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA—was about 20 minutes into a presentation at the Utah Valley University when witnesses heard gunfire from a nearby building, a spokesperson for the college told NBC News.
The political activist—who was hosting his signature "Prove Me Wrong" table at the college campus to kick off his nationwide American Comeback Tour—was the only person shot in the incident and was transported to a nearby hospital, the spokesperson said. Trump confirmed his death later that day in a heartbreaking statement.
"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," Trump wrote on Truth Social Sept. 10. "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."
President Trump shares a message on the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
“I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lives & died. The values of free speech, citizenship, the rule of law. & the patriotic devotion & love of God.” pic.twitter.com/ifipSzPX2i
And the POTUS offered his condolences to Kirk's family members at the time as well, including wife Erika Frantzve and their two children.
"Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family," Trump added. "Charlie, we love you!"
Authorities do not have a shooting suspect in custody, the FBI shared on Sept. 10 after releasing a person of interest.
In the wake of the tragedy, Utah Valley University canceled all of its classes until further notice and urged its staff and students to "leave campus immediately," the school confirmed on X Sept. 10.
Prior to Kirk's death, Trump shared that he was hoping for his recovery.
"We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot," Trump wrote on Truth Social after he was transported to a hospital. "A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!"
And Vice President JD Vance echoed that sentiment, adding in his own message on X, "Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour."
Meanwhile, Chris Pratt sent his thoughts and prayers to Kirk's loved ones.
"Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country," the Guardians of the Galaxy star wrote on X Sept. 10. "We need God’s grace. God help us."
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For a look back at Kirk's life in photos, read on...
Charlie Kirk and his wife Erika Frantzve Kirk announced the birth of their first child, a daughter.
"Welcome to the world baby girl," the Turning Point USA co-founder wrote on Instagram. "We love you so much"
The former Miss Arizona USA celebrated a beach trip with her family, including their son, who was born in May 2024.
"That’s the excitement about obedience, you find out later what God had in mind," she wrote on Instagram. "Reframe and refocus your mindset, if you have to, but always find joy in the surrender."
Charlie and Erika visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. with their daughter, who they refer to online as "GG."
"Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it," she captioned her Instagram post. "The only person who loves you more than us sweet GG is Jesus."
The conservative activist and his wife took GG to a Chicago Cubs baseball game.
"God, family, country," he captioned the Instagram post, "and the Cubs."
Erika and Charlie brought their kids to the set of Sesame Street.
"Everyday with them I get to relive the firsts I didn’t even know I’d lost from my own childhood," she wrote on Instagram. "It’s the purest kind of full circle. They are my reason to breathe slower, pray deeper, and love more intentionally."
Charlie celebrated the 1st birthday of his son and reflected on the impact that being a dad has had on him .
“He has brought an infinite amount of joy and laughter into our lives,” he wrote on Instagram. “Being a parent is an incredible gift, made far better because I get to do it alongside @mrserikakirk.
Erika celebrated Charlie for “being the most intentional husband and daddy” with a Father’s Day post on Instagram, which included a video of him buying their daughter a new doll.
“You have to be on very good behavior to get something like this,” the conservative activist told his daughter while grabbing a doll from the store shelf. “Have you been a good girl? OK, I’ll get it for you.”
In a Fourth of July video, Erika shared how the celebration of freedom reminds her of her love for Charlie.
“On days like today when the skies erupt in red, white, and blue and the air hums with the sound of freedom I find myself especially grateful for the man I call my husband,” she wrote on Instagram. “I love how much he loves this country. He believes that the freedoms we celebrate today are worth defending every day.”
“And while you may not agree with every word he says, I hope you can still be stirred by the fact that he can say them,” she continued. “That we can all speak. That this land, although imperfect in some ways and perfect in others, is stitched together by a Constitution that beautifully protects our voice, our worship, our homes, and our hope.”
She added, “That alone is something worth celebrating.”
Charlie celebrated his eldest’s 3rd birthday with a memory of himself building sandcastles on the beach.
“Happy birthday to our incredible daughter,” Charlie wrote on Instagram. “Teaching her to know God, alongside @mrserikakirk, is the greatest privilege. Having a family will change your life in the best ways, so get married and have kids. You won’t regret it.”
Charlie and Erika took their kids to an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game, which Erika saw as an opportunity to live her childhood again “through their eyes.”
“Am I providing a childhood for my kids that will be one that compels them toward gratitude and faith, or one that sends them searching for healing in places I failed to give it?” she wrote on Instagram. “And the answer to that, in all honesty, is being written once the decision is made.”
She added, “This window is short, drench yourself in it.”
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