It was a rare instance of unadulterated emotion on live television. When Fox News host Will Cain informed his viewers that Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, had died, he became silent and clearly shaken.
On live television, “Great Dishonor”
Shortly after responding to a student’s inquiry concerning mass shootings, Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday afternoon while giving a speech at Utah Valley University. The heartbreaking news was later confirmed by President Donald Trump.
While Cain was live on The Will Cain Show, Trump’s Truth Social post went viral. “It is my great dishonor to confirm that Charlie Kirk has died,” the host said, pausing in the middle of a guest’s segment.
Will Cain at Fox News just stopped his ENTIRE show, watched by millions, to give a moment of silence and prayer for Charlie Kirk after he was shot
This is beautiful.
"However you pray, I hope at this moment you can pray for Charlie Kirk," @willcain said
Our country needs more… pic.twitter.com/ATj15hR1nS
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 10, 2025
After a few seconds of silence, Cain asked how the country could proceed following such a terrible tragedy.
A Moment of Prayer
Cain had already become emotional, holding a moment of silence and asking his audience to join him in prayer before Kirk’s death was formally confirmed.
We’re going to take a moment to pray. “Hopefully, you’ll join us,” he said. “However, and to whomever you pray, I hope you pray for Charlie Kirk,” he added quietly after a few seconds.
.@willcain honors Charlie Kirk's life and legacy pic.twitter.com/P5CGrfZWjW
— The Will Cain Show (@WillCainShow) September 10, 2025
The Fox News host was clearly moved by the weight of breaking news, and viewers called the scene heartbreaking.
An Assassination That Was Cruel
During his American Comeback Tour, Kirk was interacting with students when the shooting occurred. Kirk reportedly said, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” in response to a student’s inquiry concerning mass shootings in the United States. The crack of gunfire interrupted the response.
Online videos showed blood after Kirk was hit, and witnesses said they saw him fall as horrified guests screamed and dispersed. He passed away from his wounds after being taken to the hospital by first responders in critical condition.
"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… pic.twitter.com/aM8Pz3TKml
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 10, 2025
Erika and the kids are in my prayers.
The focus swiftly shifted to Kirk’s family as shock shook conservative circles. His wife, Erika, and their two young children—a three-year-old daughter and a sixteen-month-old son—are left behind.
Conservative commentator Dr. Gina Loudon broke down on Real America’s Voice when she recalled Kirk as a child. “I’m praying for Erika, her kids, and his family. Her voice trailed off as she said, “This is absolutely devastating.”
A Shocked Nation
“Everyone hit the deck and everybody started scattering and yelling and screaming as soon as the shot went out,” said Jason Chaffetz, a former congressman from Utah who was in the crowd.
The breaking news wasn’t just another story for Will Cain to report on. It was an agonizing realization. His quiet, his prayerful pause, and his obvious emotion encapsulated the sorrow that is currently reverberating throughout the nation.