Oregon Coach Dan Lanning Urges Unity, Calls for Gun Reforms After Charlie Kirk Killing

Oregon football coach Dan Lanning used his postgame remarks after the Ducks’ 34-14 victory over Northwestern to condemn the assassination of Charlie Kirk, offer condolences to Kirk’s family and urge Americans to embrace the kind of unity he said exists in his locker room.

Lanning, who said he recently learned Kirk was an Oregon fan, expressed sympathy for Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two children and described the shooting as “evil.” He told reporters that the mix of races, religions and backgrounds in his program demonstrates how people with differences can still care for one another.

"You walk in that locker room, you got guys of different races, guys of different backgrounds, different religions, and you got a team that loves each other," Lanning said. "Tons of differences. Where they come from, what they deal with, and ultimately you got a team that loves each other, and I think we’re missing some of that in our country."

Lanning, who has previously spoken out about gun violence, called for what he described as common-sense measures to keep guns away from people he characterized as "sick" while also addressing mental-health needs. "Common sense says, ‘Oh, it’s mental health, right?’ Common sense says, ‘Oh, it’s guns.’ You know what? It’s both. Let’s have some common sense," he said. "Our kids should be the most protected thing in the world, right? They should have armed guards at every school, because there’s sick people, there’s sick people in this world, right? And on top of that, sick people need help, and it should be really hard for a sick person to have a gun."

He also spoke directly to those who disagree with him on politics and policy, saying, "Just know this — I love you. I absolutely love you, right? And life matters. And there’s no way that Charlie should experience, that his family should experience, there’s no way that that evil should exist in this world."

The assassination of Kirk prompted tributes and memorials in Utah, where posters, flowers and flags were placed at a hospital and on the campus of Utah Valley University. Several figures in sports also paid tribute; Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen has been reported to have worn a personalized hat honoring Kirk on the mound.

Authorities say a suspect, identified as Tyler Robinson, is in custody in connection with Kirk’s killing. Officials have not released a detailed timeline linking the custody status and the legal process at the time of Lanning’s comments.

Lanning’s remarks came after a weekend game in which the Ducks improved their record and returned to Eugene to a program that, he said, models cooperation across differences. He framed the locker room as an example of how people with divergent views and backgrounds can work together while urging broader protections for children and communities.

His call for both mental-health interventions and tighter access to firearms echoed a growing debate among public figures and elected officials about how to respond to high-profile killings and everyday gun violence. Lanning’s comments were delivered in the immediate aftermath of the game and reflected his long-standing engagement on the issue of violence affecting schools and communities.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk and the public reactions that followed, including those from sports figures and college coaches, have intensified discussion about security, mental health and gun policy across athletic and civic spheres. As investigations and legal proceedings continue, Lanning’s remarks highlighted the intersection of sport, community values and national debates on safety and reform.