Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker reveals final message from Charlie Kirk after Utah Valley University shooting

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker on Thursday disclosed the final text message he received from conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying Kirk sent a passage from the New Testament shortly before the activist was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Kirk's message quoted Philippians 3:14 — "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Butker wrote on X that he replied, "On the mission," added a prayer emoji, and said, "Thank you."

Kirk was killed with a single gunshot while addressing thousands at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University, authorities and witnesses said. The shooter remained at large as of Thursday, and law enforcement agencies were continuing an investigation into the attack.

Butker, a devout Catholic and Super Bowl winner with the Chiefs, posted messages on X expressing gratitude for Kirk's faith and his public witness. "Thank you for pursuing truth and leading your family as a husband and father," Butker wrote, adding the Catholic prayer: "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."

Both men are prominent figures among young conservatives. Kirk rose to prominence as a campus organizer and commentator, and Butker has increasingly engaged in political discourse. Earlier this year, Butker was named to the White House's reformed national sports council alongside other conservative athletes, and he has defended conservative positions publicly. He drew controversy after delivering a commencement address at a small Catholic college in Kansas in which he discussed gender roles. Since then, he formed a political action committee encouraging Christians to vote for what he described as "traditional values."

Kirk had publicly defended Butker during the backlash over the commencement remarks. In May 2024, Kirk wrote on X: "…Harrison Butker is the real villain of pro football because he encouraged women to become wives and moms," adding that the press had unfairly smeared Butker. The day before, Kirk wrote that Butker had "delivered a speech to Catholic graduates affirming Catholic doctrine," and said he stood with the kicker.

Butker and Kirk had cultivated overlapping networks in conservative circles; Butker has attended events with political figures and was recently listed among athletes advising on national sports matters. In his posts after the shooting, Butker thanked Kirk for his "strong witness for Christ" and offered prayers for Kirk's family.

Authorities have not released further details about motives or the identity of the shooter. University officials said they were working with law enforcement and providing support to students and attendees affected by the event. The incident prompted an outpouring of condolences from conservative public figures and some athletes who knew Kirk or had engaged with him on campus and national stages.

Investigators urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact local law enforcement. As the inquiry continues, Butker's public messages underscore the personal and political ties that connected the two men and the immediate reaction from communities that had engaged with Kirk's activism.