Yankees hold moment of silence for Charlie Kirk before Tigers game
Pregame observance comes after Kirk's assassination; team urges early arrival amid heightened security as Trump plans to attend Thursday's game
The New York Yankees held a moment of silence before their Sept. 10 game against the Detroit Tigers to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot Wednesday at Utah Valley University.
The team posted a message on X saying, "Kirk founded the youth activist group 'Turning Point USA' and had become a fixture on college campuses. Charlie Kirk, a husband and father of two children, was 31 years old." The observance took place before the finale of the three-game series in the Bronx, which Detroit dominated in the first two games, outscoring the Yankees 23-3.
President Donald Trump, who has said he will attend the Yankees' Thursday game on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, issued a statement condemning the killing. In a video posted to Truth Social from behind the Resolute Desk, Trump called the assassination a "dark moment for America" and blamed the "radical left" for inflammatory rhetoric directed at Kirk and other conservatives. The White House or campaign did not provide additional details about his attendance plans beyond his announcement.
The Yankees urged ticketed guests to arrive early and prepare for extra screening, saying enhanced security measures will be in place at all stadium gates and entrances. The team said fans should "budget extra time for entry" given the additional precautions.
Trump's presence at high-profile sporting events has previously affected schedules: his attendance at the U.S. Open earlier this month delayed the start of the men's final by about 30 minutes. The Yankees' notice did not specify whether game start times could be affected on Thursday.
Kirk, 31, founded Turning Point USA, an American conservative youth organization that has had a regular presence on college campuses. He was on a travel itinerary described by his group as the "American Comeback Tour" when he was killed at Utah Valley University, local authorities and Turning Point USA said.
The Yankees did not provide additional comment beyond their social post. University and law enforcement officials have said investigations into the shooting are ongoing. Public details about the circumstances of the shooting and any suspect information have been released by local authorities as the probe continues.
The Yankees and Major League Baseball have previously observed moments of silence or tributes in response to deaths that drew wide public attention. This pregame observance occurred amid heightened public scrutiny of the shooting and renewed debate over political rhetoric and campus safety.
The final game of the series in New York concluded the Yankees' homestand and preceded a travel day; the club and local authorities expected crowds at Thursday's game given the anniversary observance and the announced attendance of the former president. Investigations into the killing at Utah Valley University remain active, and officials have urged anyone with information to come forward.