Prominent entertainers and public figures expressed grief Wednesday after Charlie Kirk, the founder of conservative group Turning Point USA, was shot while speaking at an event in Orem, Utah, and later died. Kirk, 31 and a father of two, was initially hospitalized in critical condition before his death was confirmed on social media by former President Donald Trump.
Video posted from the event showed Kirk speaking under a white pop-up tent when gunfire erupted and the crowd began to flee, with some onlookers shouting, "Run, run, run!" Law enforcement officials said the shooting occurred outside Utah Valley University. University and local police said investigators are working the case; a university statement said a suspect was briefly in custody but to the "best of my knowledge" that individual has been released and that the suspect is not in custody as the investigation continues.
News of Kirk's condition and subsequent death prompted a wave of reactions from entertainers and public figures who had connections to conservative causes or who had publicly supported him. Country singer Jason Aldean posted a black-and-white photo of Kirk on social media with the dates "1993-2025" beneath the image. Actress Candace Cameron Bure shared a portrait of Kirk on Instagram and wrote, "We love you Charlie. Well done good and faithful servant."
Others called for prayer. Reality television personality Savannah Chrisley reshared a post that read "Rest in Peace Charlie" and had earlier implored followers to "PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!" Musician Kid Rock posted on Instagram Stories, "God Bless Charlie Kirk. A true PATRIOT. Pray for him." Actor Chris Pratt wrote on X prior to reports that Kirk had died, "Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God help us."
Former President Trump posted on Truth Social that "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," adding that he and former first lady Melania Trump offered "Sympathies ... to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"
Several entertainers voiced concern that the shooting would harden resolve rather than silence supporters. Actor Dean Cain told Fox News Digital he was "absolutely heartbroken and praying for Charlie and his family," and said the attack "will not intimidate nor stop people from speaking the truth." Comedian Rob Schneider posted on X a religious reflection and cited Deuteronomy 32:35 while asking for healing and peace for Kirk's family.
Authorities said the Utah Valley University campus police are working with Orem police on the investigation. Officials have not publicly identified a suspect or released details about a motive. The investigation remained active, and law enforcement urged anyone with information to come forward.