Charlie Kirk Shot & Killed At Utah Valley College On September 10
Conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck on Wednesday (September 10) while speaking at an event at Utah Valley College.
Kirk had set up his signature “Prove Me Wrong” table, where he often debated students with opposing views. He had recently launched his American Comeback Tour, which was scheduled to stop at nine universities across the country.
Kirk was rushed to a Utah hospital in critical condition, receiving blood transfusions, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
At 4:40 p.m. EST, President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a Truth Social post:
“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!”
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. pic.twitter.com/lYLEjv40bN
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 10, 2025
Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children.
Public Reaction
Almost immediately, Kirk’s name trended across social media. Tributes poured in from political allies, fans, and critics alike, many denouncing political violence and recalling his influence on college campuses.
Kane Brown’s Impassioned Response
Country star Kane Brown was among those most visibly shaken. In a raw video message posted to social media, Brown admitted he had been crying for hours and urged people to respond with love, not hate.
This isn’t my strong suit and I don’t even know how to begin to put into words the loss I am feeling right now over the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie wasn’t just a friend — he was like a little brother to me – and to millions of people around the world – he was a true…
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 10, 2025
“I’m getting mad, man. Because I don’t know what to say. I am very uneducated on this stuff. At the end of the day, dude, all I want is everybody to love each other. That’s really all I want. Left side, right side, Black, White, different language speaking, different country living — just love each other. If you see somebody down, please pick ’em up.”
The “Backseat Driver” singer added:
“I don’t talk about this stuff. I don’t do politics. That’s not for me. I just want y’all to love each other. It’s really not that hard.”
I disagreed with Charlie Kirk on just about everything. But, we shared an opposition to "gender identity" and the abolition of sex.
He once had me on his show to discuss it. He was polite, outgoing, and funny.
During the interview, I said something about the "TQIA." He…
— Kara Dansky (@KDansky) September 10, 2025
Brown closed his emotional plea with words of encouragement:
“If you need to hear this — I love you. Hug somebody you love and tell them you love them. Pick them up, make them feel special. God bless you guys, I love you. Good night.”
I just did one of the hardest things i have ever done. I lowered the flag at my ranch to half staff for my dear friend #CharlieKirk. pic.twitter.com/8JJ9chckFl
— Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) September 10, 2025
A Nation in Mourning
Kirk’s sudden death has sparked not just grief but a broader conversation about unity, violence, and compassion. For supporters like Kane Brown and countless others, the message is clear: in the wake of tragedy, the best response is love.