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Country music stars Jason Aldean, John Rich and Parker McCollum reacted to Charlie Kirk’s death on social media after the father-of-two was shot and killed at an event in Utah.
President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a post on Truth Social.
“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,” Trump wrote. “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, was initially in critical condition at a hospital after being shot Wednesday outside of Utah Valley University in Orem, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.
CHARLIE KIRK, TURNING POINT USA FOUNDER, DEAD AT 31 AFTER UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING
Jason Aldean and John Rich paid tribute to Charlie Kirk after his death on Sept. 10. (Getty Images)
McCollum shared an image of Kirk on Instagram and wrote, “I don’t even know what to say anymore. Charlie was one of the greatest young patriots this country has ever seen.
“Thank you for standing up for what so many of us believe so strongly. May God have mercy on your soul and watch over your precious family.”
Aldean paid tribute to Kirk and his family after news broke of the Turning Point USA co-founder’s death.
“It’s been a hard day not only in our family, but all over the country,” the musician wrote alongside a photo of himself and his wife with Kirk. “Charlie Kirk was one of the kindest, smartest and bravest people I’ve ever met. I’m honored to have met and spoke with him on a few occasions. He was a man of peace and wanted nothing but the best for our country and its youth. We might have lost Charlie today but what he has done will live on forever. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, kids and the entire Kirk family.”
CHARLIE KIRK ASSASINATION SUSPECT EVADES MANHUNT AS INVESTIGATORS RECOVER RIFLE IN WOODED AREA
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Rich also honored Kirk in a post shared to X.
“It was an honor to know Charlie Kirk, and sing at his events,” the member of Big & Rich said. “He was a true Christian, and is now seeing Jesus face to face. Pray for his family and friends. RIP Charlie, you made a difference in this world, and you will be sorely missed.”
Country music singer Lee Greenwood described Kirk as “passionate, wise and fair,” in a statement shared with Fox News Digital on Thursday.
“He spoke truth, welcomed open dialogue, and sought God’s wisdom daily,” he added. “It’s heartbreaking to think our world has come to this. Every time I saw him, I felt such pride in his vision and strength. Kim and I are lifting up his precious wife, Erika, and family in prayer. Rest in peace young Charlie Kirk. May God help us all.”
“Hercules” star Kevin Sorbo described Kirk as a “voice of reason” for the youth of America.
“The assassination of Charlie Kirk once again shows the anger and hatred from the mentally unstable left-wing zealots that want to destroy America,” Sorbo told Fox News Digital. “Charlie was a voice of reason for a younger generation brainwashed by the media, the Democrat party, public schools, and universities.”
Kevin Sorbo told Fox News Digital that Charlie Kirk “was a voice of reason for a younger generation.” (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Reality star Savannah Chrisley cried as she remembered Kirk and the impact he had on her life in such a short time, especially through “some of the hardest years” she’s ever had to endure while fighting to get her parents out of prison.
“In those two and a half years, I’ve met so many great people and lifelong friends. And one of those people that brought me into their world was Charlie Kirk,” Chrisley said in a video shared on TikTok. “Someone who gave me a voice as a woman made me feel like I had the power to show up in this world. And he was assassinated today. It truly was a political assassination.
“I don’t even have the words. I’m processing it. I’m truly grieving for his wife, Erica. One of the kindest, most loving human beings I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. A woman who showed up for me. The last text that she sent me was the most God-fearing text.”
Savannah Chrisley says Charlie Kirk made her “feel like I had the power to show up in this world.” (DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
Chrisley said that she was “ashamed that this is the world that my children are going to grow up in,” but insisted she wouldn’t let Kirk’s name go silent.
“He created a movement. His legacy is one that I hope I can build half of for my kids,” Chrisley said. “All I can say is, this doesn’t make sense. I’m praying. I’m finding the words. I was supposed to be sitting next to Charlie every weekend in October. This is tough. Pray. Pray for Charlie. Pray for his parents, his children, his entire family. Erica, my heart is with you. I love you.”
In a 9/11 tribute, actor Tim Allen chose to honor Americans and Kirk together. “On this sad and day remembering 9-11. I add a somber prayer for Charlie Kirks family,” he wrote on X. “This is a very dark moment.”
“Ain’t No Cure” singer Gavin Adcok shared his thoughts on X, writing, “I hope that f—– that pulled the trigger feels the full force of Hell. Rip to a Family MAN with real Christian Values.”
In his own tribute, James Woods acknowledged that he often worried about Kirk’s safety.
“I enjoyed dinners with Charlie, but worried for his safety,” he wrote on X. “The left says they want ‘national conversations.’ Charlie Kirk actually did just that. In the lion’s den, no less, at left leaning venues, hoping facts and common sense would prevail.”
Patricia Heaton shared a video of Kirk explaining his mission on college campuses and wrote, “This is who Charlie Kirk is and what he was about.”
“The Middle” actress later added another post on X that read, “I can’t stop bursting into tears.” She also re-shared many posts asking for prayers.
Country singer Jana Kramer sent prayers to Kirk and his family after his death.
“We can disagree, have different views, share our truths …but what happened today and other days that end in violence in murder… No,” she wrote. “Praying for Charlie Kirk’s wife children and family.”
Candace Cameron Bure shared an image of the father-of-two on Instagram and wrote, “We love you Charlie. Well done good and faithful servant.”
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Kid Rock posted on his Instagram stories, “God Bless Charlie Kirk. A true PATRIOT. Pray for him.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger shared on X, “My heart is with Charlie Kirk’s family, and with the United States. Politics has become a disease in this country, and it’s deadly. But don’t listen to the pessimists who say there is no cure. There is a cure. It is inside of us.
“We must find our better angels and walk back from the extremes. If we can’t agree on anything else, we must find agreement that we don’t solve our debates with violence. This is a horrible tragedy. May it also be a moment for everyone to rediscover their humanity.”
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In a statement to Fox News Digital, Pat Boone called Kirk “A true modern hero.”
“Charlie Kirk was, and will always be, an Apostle, just like Peter, James and John in the Bible…a messenger with a vital, soul-shaping and life-saving message. He served the same Lord unabashedly and courageously and effectively, scattering precious seed everywhere he went. His message, one of joyous and lasting victory, his love even for those who disagreed, was evident and contagious,” he said. “And his reward, though too soon — “to be absent from the body and present with His Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 A true modern hero.”
Actor Josh Duhamel took to Instagram to share a photo of Kirk with his wife and children, writing, “RIP Charlie Kirk. Please remember, no matter what your political beliefs, that this man had a wife and 2 beautiful children who longer have him. Please pray for this madness to stop.”
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Jillian Michaels paid tribute to Kirk on X, writing in part, “Today the world lost a father, a husband, and a cultural force who encouraged honest debate and communication with those who disagreed.”
“I’m utterly heartbroken and my prayers are with his family. He had such a powerful voice my young son took three flights just to shake his hand,” she continued. “Charlie was magnanimous and gracious — he welcomed me onto his podcast, invited me to his events, and offered me his platform even when we did not see eye to eye on certain topics. It’s a very rare and special soul who does that. The hatred that has seeped into our culture must stop. If we give in to this anger, if we allow hate to breed hate, we lose not only lives but our very humanity.”
Michaels concluded, “We have got to reject this darkness — in our media, in our politics, and within ourselves. Let’s take the pain of this loss as a solemn call to ensure it never happens again. All of our leaders on both sides of the aisle, of all colors, all genders, and all orientations need to set a better example. Come together. Choose empathy, understanding, and unity — in honor of Charlie, for the sake of our culture, and the well-being of generations to come. Rest in peace, Charlie.”
Brittany Aldean shared a series of photos with Kirk on Instagram, writing, “This is a heartbreak so many of us will never get over.”
“Charlie was a father, husband, son, friend and so much more,” she wrote in the caption. “One of the most intelligent people we’ve ever met, fighting for everything right in this world. He put everything on the line to be a voice for those who weren’t able. I admired him.”
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She continued: “His courage, his intelligence, his faith…. there will truly never be another like him. Charlie you will forever be missed. Trying to find peace in the fact that he’s in heaven shining down on us all, because man he loved Jesus and there’s no doubt that’s what he’s doing❤️💔 Accepted into the arms of Jesus as a good & faithful servant🙏🏼”
Mandy Moore shared a post on her Instagram stories which read, “Gun violence doesn’t care about ideology.”
She paired the post with her own caption, which reads, “There is no room for political violence in the discourse. Ever. You can disagree with someone’s beliefs but this is a terrifying consequence of the world we’re living in and it’s a cancer. I can’t stop thinking about Charlie Kirk’s wife and their small kids. My heart is with them and all who loved him.”
Moore posted an Instagram story, condemning political violence. (Mandy Moore Instagram)
“Real Housewives of Dallas” star, Kameron Westcott, paid tribute via an Instagram post, which featured photos of Kirk with his family, as well as various members of her family.
“No matter what our political views, true violence is never the answer….A true patriot and advocate of freedom of speech and family values was lost today! I am heartbroken,” she wrote in the caption. “Today is a sad day for AMERICA. Praying for his wife, daughters & beautiful family.”
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Chris Pratt wrote on X prior to reports of Kirk’s death, “Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God help us.”
Dean Cain told Fox News Digital he was “truly” heartbroken. Prior to the reporting of his death, Cain said, “I am absolutely heartbroken and praying for Charlie and his family. This will not have the desired effect. This will not intimidate nor stop people from speaking the truth.”
Rob Schneider wrote on X at the time, “As we pray for our dear friend and brother in Christ, American Patriot, Father, Husband and son, Charlie Kirk, We know that our God is a loving God. And we must remember that vengeance is the Lord’s. Not ours.”
He added the Bible verse “Deuteronomy 32:35 ‘To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.’ May Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior bless and heal our brother Charlie, and give peace to his family and friends at this time.”
Video posted from the event appeared to show Kirk being shot as he spoke to the crowd from under a white pop-up tent. After the shot, the crowd dispersed, with onlookers shouting, “Run, run, run!”
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The suspect is not in custody, Utah Valley University said in a statement.
Charlie Kirk was shot Wednesday at an event in Utah. (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images/Politicon)
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In a statement to Fox News Digital, UVU spokesperson Ellen Treanor said: “A suspect was in custody initially, but to the best of my knowledge, that individual has been released. Our campus police are currently investigating in conjunction with the Orem police.”
Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Lori A. Bashian contributed to this report.
Tracy Wright is an entertainment reporter for Fox News Digital. Send story tips to Tracy.Wright@fox.com.
