Sports figures offer condolences after Charlie Kirk fatally shot at Utah event
Athletes, coaches and media personalities expressed shock and prayers after the Turning Point USA founder was shot during a campus appearance; President Trump later confirmed his death.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of conservative group Turning Point USA, was shot at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University on Wednesday and later died, prompting a wave of condolences and reaction from figures across the sports world.
The shooting occurred at about 12:20 p.m. local time, Utah Valley University said in a campus-wide alert, which said "a single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker." Video posted from the event appeared to show Kirk being shot while speaking from under a white pop-up tent; witnesses reported the crowd dispersed as people shouted, "Run, run, run!" President Donald Trump later announced on Truth Social that Kirk had died.
Sports figures and sports-media personalities offered immediate reactions on social platforms, expressing shock, condolences and calls for an end to political violence. New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart posted on his Instagram Stories, writing, "This is some bull s--- man! Absolutely sickening!" and "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!"
Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre, running back Le'Veon Bell, wide receivers Antonio Brown and Golden Tate, New York Yankees champion Mark Teixeira, and Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker were among the athletes who publicly reacted. Boxing figures Jake Paul and Ryan Garcia, Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl, former Major League pitcher John Rocker, broadcaster Michelle Tafoya and Sports Illustrated writer Albert Breer also posted messages of sympathy. Media personalities tied to sports, including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy and OutKick founder Clay Travis, offered condolences as well.
Trump posted at 4:40 p.m. ET: "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"
Kirk, 31, had been scheduled to speak at Utah Valley University as part of an "American Comeback Tour" and was expected to appear at Utah State University later in the month. Utah Valley University Associate Vice President Ellen Treanor told Fox News the shooting occurred during the campus appearance and that police were investigating.
Sports reactions emphasized both personal condolences and broader concerns about political violence. Some athletes and media figures framed their comments as prayers for Kirk's family and calls to end violence, while others expressed personal anger and grief in social posts.
Authorities have not released additional details about a suspect or motive, and the investigation is ongoing. Utah Valley University and local law enforcement were working to gather information at the scene, and Fox News reported on-site accounts and video of the shooting.
Fox News Digital reported on the incident and compiled reactions from the sports community. Further developments, including official law enforcement updates and statements from Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, are expected as investigators continue their work.