A former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader publicly called for stricter gun regulation after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event Wednesday, a post that contrasted with faith-focused tributes from several of her former colleagues.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot once in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University and collapsed before being taken to a local hospital, where he later died, according to multiple reports. Kirk, described in social media posts as a MAGA commentator, was married and had two young children.
Miranda Buechel, who cheered for the Cowboys from 2017 to 2020, wrote on her Instagram story that she was saddened to see widespread social media attention for Kirk from people who "want to uphold the 2nd amendment and never post a thing when our literal CHILDREN are being killed in schools every single day by gun violence." She added, "No family should have to experience what his family is experiencing today. This is exactly why we need gun regulation in this country." Buechel also reposted a message that characterized gun violence in the United States as an "epidemic" and noted an irony in Kirk's death related to policies he supported.
Several current Cowboys cheerleaders posted different responses on Instagram. Reece Weaver, Kennedy Hannan and Julissa Garcia shared tributes referring to faith or to Kirk's Christianity. Garcia wrote, "This is not a political stance. This is about HUMAN life. A husband, father and son. Charlie used his platform to share truth and that will always be what I remember his life by." Other teammates posted messages about school and community safety. McKenna Gehrke shared content about a separate school shooting that occurred the same day, and Kleine Powell urged advocacy for safer schools and communities.
The day of Kirk's death also saw a shooting at Evergreen High School in Colorado, where two students were hospitalized and the shooter died from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to local reports. News organizations counted the Evergreen incident as the 47th school shooting in the United States this year.
Kirk's death prompted responses across the sports world. New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart described the shooting as "absolutely sickening" and praised Kirk for his contributions. Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson reposted a message condemning celebration of a person's death. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, an outspoken conservative, posted a prayer for Kirk. Former NFL linebacker Will Compton called the events "insane and incredibly sad," saying he was heartbroken after seeing family photos of Kirk with his wife and children.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two children, a three-year-old daughter and a 16-month-old son. The couple marked their fourth wedding anniversary in May.
The juxtaposition of calls for gun reform and faith-centered tributes highlights differing public reactions in the aftermath of a politically charged killing. Buechel framed her remarks around a broader national debate over firearm policy and the frequency of shootings in schools; other colleagues emphasized mourning and religious faith in their posts.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the Utah shooting and the Evergreen High School incident. News outlets and social media users reported developments as they emerged, and several public figures and athletes expressed condolences and called for reflection in the days following the violence.