Giants rookie Jaxson Dart condemns political violence after Charlie Kirk is shot at Utah event

New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart publicly condemned political violence and urged prayers for conservative activist Charlie Kirk after Kirk was shot while speaking at a campus event in Utah.

Footage from the Wednesday afternoon incident at Utah Valley University shows attendees screaming as gunshots were fired during a Turning Point USA Q&A. Kirk, 31, was struck in the neck and rushed to a hospital, where "doctors are working on him," a source familiar with the situation told the Daily Mail. Authorities said a person is in custody.

Dart, who was born in Kaysville, Utah, reacted after viewing a viral clip of the shooting, posting on his Instagram story before deleting the post. Dart wrote: "This is some bull s*** man!!! Absolutely sickening!!!" He added, "Praying for him and his family," and described Kirk as someone who "did great things for our country!! Political Violence NEEDS TO STOP!!" Dart also shared a post titled "Pray for Charlie Kirk" and wrote, "May God watch over him and his family!"

The social-media responses followed swift statements from national political figures. Former President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!" Vice President J.D. Vance wrote on X, "Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father."

Other sports figures joined calls for restraint and sympathy. Former NFL linebacker and broadcaster Will Compton urged people not to watch the close-up footage circulating online and wrote on X that the news was "insane and incredibly sad," noting the impact on Kirk's family. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy called the video "absolutely disgusting and disturbing" and expressed hope for Kirk and his family.

Video of the shooting circulated widely on social platforms, with clips appearing to show Kirk struck in the neck as the audience reacted in panic. Campus alerts indicated a suspect was detained. Kirk had posted on X minutes before the incident, writing, "WE. ARE. SO. BACK," and saying the university audience was "FIRED UP" for the event.

Dart, who joined the Giants as a rookie, did not immediately respond to requests for further comment through team channels. The Giants organization has not issued an official statement on Dart's posts.

Law enforcement and university officials have not released a full account of the motive or the condition of Kirk beyond initial statements confirming he was hospitalized. Investigators typically release details about suspects and charges as inquiries progress; Utah county or campus police did not immediately provide a timeline for any planned updates.

The shooting and the spread of disturbing video prompted calls across political and public spheres for de-escalation. The incident adds to a series of high-profile attacks at political and public events in recent years that have renewed debate about security at gatherings and the risks faced by public figures.

As authorities continue their investigation, social-media platforms and public figures have wrestled with whether to show graphic footage, with some prominent accounts urging followers to avoid viewing or sharing close-up clips out of respect for the victim and his family.

Officials at Utah Valley University directed media to university police for information about the incident. Hospital officials declined to provide additional details beyond acknowledging Kirk was receiving care. Further updates are expected as local law enforcement and university officials complete their inquiries and as medical staff provide information about Kirk's condition.