Actor Chris Pratt and country singer Jason Aldean are among the many celebrities posting tributes online to mourn the death on Sept. 10 of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University.
The conservative influencer was on the first stop of “The American Comeback Tour,” an initiative that promoted public discourse between the political commentator and college students at various schools across the country.
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking to a large crowd of students at the Orem, Utah-based college campus. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Kirk is survived by his wife of four years, Erika, a 3-year-old daughter, and a 1-year-old son.
“Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country,” Pratt wrote on X. “We need God’s grace. God help us.”
“It’s been a hard day not only in our family, but all over the country,” said Aldean on Instagram, calling Kirk “one of the kindest, smartest, and bravest people” he’d 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.”
Singer-songwriter John Rich, better known as one-half of the country music duo Big & Rich, also remembered Kirk online, sharing that he was honored to know him and sing at his events.
“He was a true Christian, and is now seeing Jesus face to face,” Rich wrote. “Pray for his family and friends. RIP Charlie, you made a difference in this world, and you will be sorely missed.”
Actor Rob Schneider took to X to share a Bible verse and a short prayer.
“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,” the comedian wrote. “May Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior bless and heal our brother Charlie, and give peace to his family and friends at this time.”
“RIP Charlie Kirk,” actor Josh Duhamel—who stars in the new Western series “Ransom Canyon”—captioned alongside a photo of Kirk and his family on Instagram.
“Please remember, no matter what your political beliefs, that this man had a wife and two beautiful children who no longer have him. Please pray for this madness to stop.”
“We love you Charlie,” actress Candace Cameron Bure wrote on Instagram. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
