Earlier in the day, the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts observed a moment of silence at Utah Valley University in memory of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who was tragically assassinated.
“This evening, we held a moment of silence at the Kennedy Center to honor Charlie Kirk after today’s tragic event. May he rest in peace,” the Kennedy Center stated. Alongside this message, a tribute video was shared. Notably, President Donald Trump serves as the chairman of the Kennedy Center’s board, with First Lady Melania Trump serving as the honorary chair.
As for Kirk, he was shot during a student Q&A session at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday afternoon. Reports by Deseret News journalists Emily Pitts and Eva Terry indicated that after the gunfire, Kirk’s body went limp, and his eyes closed. In response to the incident, various law enforcement agencies, including the SWAT team and ATF police, secured the campus and launched searches for the shooter.
Turning Point USA confirmed Kirk’s death in a statement, requesting that people keep his family in their thoughts and prayers:
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Charles James Kirk, who was killed by a gunshot during Turning Point USA’s ‘American Comeback Tour’ event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. We ask everyone to keep his family and loved ones in your prayers.”
President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-mast until Sunday evening in Kirk’s honor, describing him as “a truly great American patriot.” In a subsequent video statement, he remarked on Kirk’s death as “a dark moment in America,” commending his leadership and faith. Melania Trump expressed her grief, mentioning that “Charlie’s children are left with stories instead of memories, photos instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should resonate.”
The sports community also paid tribute to Kirk. The New York Yankees held a moment of silence before their game on Wednesday and shared on social media that Kirk was instrumental in founding Turning Point USA, a prominent organization on college campuses. Kirk was 31 and leaves behind two children. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker thanked Kirk for being “a strong witness of Christ,” and several NFL players, including Lamar Jackson and Des Bryant, also honored him.
Responses from celebrities across the political spectrum, including Chris Pratt and Arnold Schwarzenegger, reflected sadness over Kirk’s death. Pratt shared, “I’m praying for Charlie Kirk, for my wife and young children, and for our nation. We need God’s grace. God help us.” Other celebrities commented on the need for gun control measures, with actor George Takei advocating for “common-sense restrictions” in light of Kirk’s shooting. Likewise, author Stephen King characterized the incident as “another example of American gun violence,” seeking more information about the suspect.
