Charlie Kirk's death at 31 has elicited an emotional response from the sports community and beyond, with tributes from Lamar Jackson, Jaxson Dart and Jake Paul.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University, sparking an outpouring of grief across sports.
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| Charlie Kirk's sudden death at 31 during a Utah event has triggered a wave of grief in sports and politics.(AFP) |
Donald Trump confirmed the news on Truth Social, posting, “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!”
NFL stars mourse Charlie Kirk's assassination
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, though he never shared a stage with Kirk, the two exchanged supportive messages over the years, posted on X, “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.”
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart also mourned publicly. He wrote, “Praying for him and his family. Charlie did great things for our country!! Political violence NEEDS TO STOP!! Pray for our country man. This is disgusting and Sad.”
Fellow Giants rookie Cam Skattebo and Jaguars linebacker Josh Hines-Atllen also offered prayers and condolences.
From the NFL’s veteran ranks, former wide receiver Torrey Smith condemned the vitriol he saw online following Kirk’s death: “Celebrating the death of someone you don't share the same beliefs as is wild. Seeing it play out in real time is disgusting.”
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson echoed Smith’s post, reposting the same words with his own signal of support.
Others weighed in, including YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who wrote on X, “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.”
NFL Network’s Jane Slater added her voice, calling Kirk’s death “absolutely horrible” and offering her thoughts to his family.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, posted her own message of faith, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
- Tuhin Das Mahapatra
