Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking at a Utah Valley University event on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, prompting an outpouring of reactions from Hollywood and media figures who condemned the violence and urged unity.
Kirk, 31, was struck in the neck by a single bullet while addressing a crowd on the campus and died after the shooting, which Turning Point USA described in a statement as an act that "has been murdered." He is survived by his wife, Erika, and two young children, a daughter, 3, and a son, 16 months.
Federal and state authorities said a person was taken into custody in connection with the "horrific shooting," though officials later clarified that the individual detained was released following an interrogation as the investigation continued. FBI Director Kash Patel initially posted on X that a "suspect" was in custody and thanked local and state partners; he later said the person of interest had been released and that the FBI would provide updates when able. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said in a press conference that a person of interest had been taken into custody.
The killing drew swift responses across social media from entertainers and public figures of varying political backgrounds. Actor Chris Pratt posted on X, "Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God's grace. God help us." His wife, author Katherine Schwarzenegger, reposted a message from Maria Shriver calling the shooting "a violent act of hate that we all must denounce, all of us, regardless of party."
Actress Mandy Moore shared a post from MomsDemandAction.org on her Instagram stories that read, "Gun violence doesn't care about ideology," and added, "There is no room for political violence in this 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."
Several conservative figures and allies posted tributes. Candace Cameron Bure shared a photo of Kirk on Instagram with the message, "We love you Charlie. Well done good and faithful servant." Bristol Palin reposted a Turning Point USA statement that confirmed Kirk had been "murdered" and asked that people keep his family in their prayers and respect their privacy.
Other public figures expressed a mix of grief and calls to address political extremism and gun violence. Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote on X, "My heart is with Charlie Kirk's family, and with the United States," adding that politics had become "a disease" and urging Americans to "find our better angels." Boxer-turned-influencer Jake Paul posted on X that Kirk "got shot for telling the truth" and called the moment "mentally sick." Former race car driver Danica Patrick, actor Rosie O'Donnell, television host Dr. Phil and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel also posted messages condemning the shooting and offering prayers for Kirk's family.
Author Stephen King tweeted that the shooter's motivation was unclear but called the incident "another example of American gun violence." Roseanne Barr, Kim Zolciak and others shared short posts expressing devastation. Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social calling Kirk "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk," and extended sympathies to Kirk's family.
Turning Point USA, the campus-focused conservative group Kirk helped found, released a statement confirming his death and asking supporters to pray for his family. The organization urged respect for the family's privacy during its message. The White House lowered the American flag to half-staff in Kirk's memory; officials said it would remain half-staff until sunset on Sept. 14.
Law enforcement officials have not publicly released additional details about a motive or a suspect. The FBI said its investigation was ongoing and that it would continue to release information "in the interest of transparency." As public figures and politicians called for calm, several entertainment figures emphasized a need to reject political violence and to protect public discourse from escalating into physical attacks.
Authorities asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact local law enforcement or the FBI. The investigation remains active as agents and local officers work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.