Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, husband, and father of two, was murdered at a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday by an assassin who, as of this writing, remains at large.
A peaceful man who sought to change minds through the use of dialogue and free speech, Kirk’s tragic death was confirmed by President Donald Trump in a post on Truth Social.
Kirk’s death was memorialized by thousands on social media, including many prominent voices in the sports world. Among those paying tribute to Kirk were current and former NFL players Lamar Jackson, Brett Favre, Dez Bryant, Golden Tate, Elijah Moore, Harrison Butker, and Antonio Brown. YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul also paid tribute, in addition to UFC fighters Renato Moicano and Paulo Costa, among others.
College football national champion and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow spoke of the personal side of Kirk, as a follower of Christ and as a family man.
“I’m shocked and devastated to learn about the passing of Charlie Kirk,” Tebow wrote. Above all else, Charlie was a follower of Jesus, a husband, and a dad. He was a man of passion, courage, and devotion to making an eternal impact. Demi and I are praying for Erika, his two children, and everyone who loved him.”
Giants’ rookie first-round quarterback took to Instagram to lament the tragedy.
“This is some bull sh*t, man! Absolutely sickening!” Dart wrote in one post. He also added, “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!”
NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre posted about Kirk’s “tragic” murder.
Other current and former NFL players expressed their condolences as well.
“Charlie Kirk news got me SICK! Jesus is coming soon!!!” wrote former Seahawk Golden Tate.
“Seeing people who are excited about Charlie Kirk dying are fucked up human beings…Sending love to his family,” wrote former Cowboy Dez Bryant.
Ravens star QB Lamar Jackson retweeted a post from former Raven Torrey Smith, calling out those celebrating Kirk’s death.
Former Redskin and ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III spoke of the senselessness of Kirk’s death.
Fox Sports college football broadcaster Tim Brando lauded Kirk as someone who gave “young conservatives a voice.”
“Prayers for @charliekirk11 and his young family,” Brando wrote. “Regardless of anyone’s political lean this insanity must end. A 31 year old icon that gave young conservatives a voice. One that those of his generation desperately needed. I never met him, but I know many that do or sadly did.”
Former NFL QB and current coach Luke McCown called Kirk “a brother in Christ.”
“Prayers for Charlie Kirk,” wrote former Steeler Le’Veon Bell.
NFL reporter Albert Breer lamented the “political climate” that led to Kirk’s murder.
Former Buccaneer Antonio Brown sent prayers up for Kirk’s family.
Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore called for prayer.
Barstool Sports President Dave Portnoy said Kirk’s murder made this one of the “darkest days in American history.”
UFC fighter Paulo Costa memorialized Kirk.
As did fellow UFC fighter Renato Moicano, who called out liberals and said Kirk was merely “debating.”
“One of the brightest minds of this generation was taken from us today,” wrote UFC welterweight Colby Covington. “Charlie was a patriot, a leader, a kind soul, but most importantly, he was a husband and father. Pray for his family and pray for America.”
UFC fighter Bo Nickal paid tribute to Kirk with a Bible verse from Ephesians.
YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul said that Kirk was murdered for “telling the truth.”
MLB analyst Gary Sheffield Jr. lamented the current political discourse and took issue with those who couldn’t express condolences without saying they disagreed with Kirk.
“ALL CHARLIE KIRK DID WAS HAVE A RESPECTFUL DIALOGUE WITH PEOPLE HE DISAGREED WITH,” wrote former major league closer John Rocker.
“I never met Charlie Kirk, but I am gutted by this atrocity,” golf legend Phil Mickelson wrote on X. “Open debate is healthy and essential. Free speech is a constitutional right. Violence for disagreeing with someone is sick, deranged, and creates a greater division that becomes harder to overcome.”
Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele vowed never to be “silent” or live in “fear” again.
NBA star Patrick Beverley offered prayers for Kirk’s family.
Kirk was killed by a single shot fired from a nearby rooftop while speaking to a large crowd, according to Utah Valley University. His appearance at Utah Valley University was part of his American Comeback Tour.
Kirk was 31 years old and leaves behind a wife and two children.
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