Yankees hold moment of silence after Charlie Kirk shooting; Giants' Jaxson Dart condemns attack
Teams and players across leagues reacted after the conservative activist was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University; FBI says a suspect is in custody
The New York Yankees paused before their game Thursday night to hold a minute of silence for Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University, as players and fans observed the moment in Yankee Stadium.
The tribute came as athletes across professional sports weighed in on the shooting. New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart posted a series of Instagram Stories calling the killing "disgusting and sad," urging prayer for Kirk's family and saying "Political Violence NEEDS TO STOP." Dart, who grew up in Kaysville, Utah, shared multiple posts from his account, including a photo of Kirk with his family and a post he later deleted that showed video of the shooting.
Kirk, 31, the founder of Turning Point USA and a frequent campus speaker, was struck in the neck by a bullet while taking questions at an outdoor event on Wednesday. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery before succumbing to his injuries. Authorities said the shot was fired from roughly 200 yards away by a long gun; law enforcement later announced that a suspect had been taken into custody and that the FBI was assisting the investigation, though officials did not immediately identify the person or disclose a motive.
Video posted on social media showed Kirk speaking under a white tent when a single gunshot rang out and he reached for his neck as blood was visible. Witnesses were heard gasping and several people fled the area. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the incident "a tragic day for our nation" and described it as a political assassination.
The Yankees posted a short message on their X account noting that the club had observed a minute of silence "in memoriam of Charlie Kirk," adding that he "had become a fixture on college campuses" and noting his age and family status. The moment came hours before the team was scheduled to host former President Donald Trump at Yankee Stadium on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Other athletes also expressed condolences. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker wrote on X, "Thank you for your strong witness for Christ @charliekirk11. Thank you for pursuing truth and leading your family as a husband and father," and offered a prayer for Kirk and his family.
Kirk had been on a speaking tour billed as the "American Comeback" and was participating in an event at Utah Valley University when he was shot. Turning Point USA said the organization was mourning the loss. Authorities described the shooting as occurring during a public event; police said the suspected shooter wore dark clothing and fired from a rooftop some distance from the tent where Kirk sat.
The FBI and local law enforcement said they were investigating and focusing on the suspect in custody. Officials warned that details were still preliminary and urged the public to await additional information as the probe continued. Law enforcement also said there was no immediate indication of additional shooters.
Sports teams have frequently issued statements or observed moments of silence in response to off-field deaths and national tragedies. The Yankees' tribute followed similar acknowledgments by other teams and individuals across professional sports as the investigation into the Utah shooting continued.
The shooting prompted renewed discussion among public officials and institutions about security at campus events and the rising concern over politically motivated violence. Authorities said they would release further information as it becomes available and that the investigation remains active.