

Charlie Kirk, a right-wing commentator and activist, was tragically sh*t and k***ed during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10, President Donald Trump announced. Kirk, 31, had been on campus to promote his “The American Comeback Tour,” where he hosted debates at his “prove me wrong” table, and this death has sent shockwaves throughout the political and non-political communities.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Trump paid respect to Kirk on Truth Social, describing him as an admired figure and extending his condolences to his widow, Erika Frantzve. The president’s statement emphasized Kirk’s growing prominence in conservative circles, as well as the close relationship many in the GOP have with him, with many recalling his sharp rise from a college activist to a national conservative voice.
The combat sports community reacted quickly to the devastating news, with competitors from both MMA and boxing expressing grief, anger, and prayers for Charlie Kirk and his family. Their messages, shared across social media, expressed a mix of personal sorrow and a call for unity in the face of senseless violence. Many others underlined that disagreement should never result in such horrific acts.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Paulo Costa‘s statement was direct and emotional: “R.I.P. Let’s fight for him. We need to make them all pay for it. 🙏” Aljamain Sterling‘s response was more thoughtful, asking for respect for opposing viewpoints. “RIP to Charlie Kirk. Just because you don’t agree with someone’s opinion doesn’t mean you just start k****ng people. Debate. Dispute. Agree to disagree. You gotta be a dark human being to want to k**l people over different likes, preferences, opinions. That’s what makes us special. We are all different, but one people.”
Dominick Reyes echoed this attitude, calling the act cowardly and encouraging followers to pray for Kirk’s soul: “Pray for Charlie’s soul and his family. To m***er someone you don’t agree with is pure cowardice.” Darren Till highlighted the importance of dialogue: “Prayers for Charlie Kirk, & whether his views are agreed with or not, he gives everyone the right to challenge his views while he challenges theirs.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
View this post on Instagram
Gordon Ryan‘s message included a warning to those who choose to remain silent: “If they will do this to your neighbor, they’ll do it to you. To everyone who just wanted to be left alone, what will it take to get your hands dirty? How much more will you accept?” Amy Askren‘s heartfelt words invited others to come together and pray: “Lord, protect this family and give them your peace. Let every person in that room feel your hand on them. Help people come together to pray for them, and don’t let it drive us farther apart.”
Colby Covington, a fighter known for his unwavering support of Donald Trump and the Republican Party, wrote a heartfelt caption as he shared a picture of Kirk on his Instagram. ‘Chaos’ wrote, “One of the brightest minds of this generation was taken from us today. Charlie was a patriot, a leader, a kind soul, but most importantly he was a husband and father. Pray for his family and pray for America.”
Boxing stars also chimed in with deep emotion. Ryan Garcia expressed his grief with a full rant: “Charlie Kirk, a fellow Christian was s**t and possibly m*****ed, makes me sick. Prayers for his family. I’m crying, bro. Pray for Charlie Kirk, what the actual f—.” He later posted, “You can feel the silence in the air; you can feel a moment of silence in the heavens for Charlie Kirk. Rest in heaven, Charlie Kirk.”
Jake Paul’s response to the horrific crime was equally forceful: “Charlie Kirk got sh*t for telling the truth. That is literally it. What a mentality and sick time we are living through. We need God more than ever. Praying for Charlie’s family and praying for these evil people to heal.”
For Charlie Kirk’s family, the outpouring of support from unlikely corners, such as the UFC and boxing communities, is a modest but meaningful display of solidarity during an unimaginable time of grief. In their statements, these combat sports icons challenged divisiveness and encouraged followers to engage in conversation rather than violence. After all, it is the best way to pay tribute to the one who was known as a master of words in the political scene.
American politics just lost one of the best debaters in Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk’s influence had grown significantly during the past decade. As the founder of Turning Point USA, he played a pivotal role in promoting conservative politics among younger audiences, particularly on college campuses nationwide. His profile skyrocketed in 2016 after he addressed the Republican National Convention, and by 2024, he was delivering speeches on behalf of the party at significant events.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
One such iconic speech was at the Milwaukee convention, where he discussed the sentiments of youth voters. His nationwide tour was meant to spark debate at major universities. Stops at Colorado State University and the University of Minnesota were planned, as well as a high-profile debate with progressive influencer Hasan Piker at Dartmouth College on September 25.
Kirk’s organization had grown into a formidable political force, regularly staging events in battleground states and establishing itself as a key player in Republican strategy. The shooting abruptly ended what many saw as a meteoric political journey. Kirk’s mix of strong conservatism and college activism earned him both praise and criticism, but there’s no doubting his impact on national discourse. As campuses prepare for his absence, fans and critics alike are grappling with the void left by one of the most prominent young conservative voices.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT