Chris Pratt has led celebrity tributes to Charlie Kirk, a right-wing political activist who was shot during a rally in Utah on Wednesday, September 10.
The founder of Turning Point USA and a key ally of President Donald Trump was 31 years old when he died, which officials described as a “political assassination”. A manhunt for his murderer is underway.
Celebrities from both sides of the political spectrum have paid tribute, including Hollywood actor Pratt, TV host Piers Morgan, and comedian Rosie O’Donnell.
“Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, and for our country,” Pratt, one of Hollywood’s few conservative voices, wrote on Twitter. “We need God’s grace. “God help us.”
Meghan McCain, daughter of late Republican politician John McCain, issued a defiant response, insisting that the killing would not “silence” the conservative community.
“Rest in Peace, Charlie Kirk,” she wrote. “The imprint you have left on the world will always be a blessing and a memory. We pray for eternal rest with our Lord. May God always bless your family, especially your children and wife Erika.”
She went on: “If you think you’re going to scare and silence conservatives to stop speaking and fighting for truth, God, America, family and the soul of our country – you’ve never met one of us.”
Meanwhile, controversial podcaster Joe Rogan was in the middle of taping an episode of his eponymous show with celebrity guest Charlie Sheen when his producer interrupted to tell them about the shooting.
The two claimed they had “no idea” what was going on at the time, as the producer pointed them to MSNBC’s now-fired political analyst Matthew Dowd’s comments, which suggested Kirk’s death was caused by his own “hateful thoughts” and “awful words.”
“What a crazy perspective. F***,” Rogan said, predicting, “There will be a lot of people celebrating this.”
He went on to say, “We are so divided, and so many people love it. They profit from that division. And they stoke the fires for their own profit, which is absolutely disgusting. And celebrating is one of the most heinous things you can do after someone dies in such a way.”
The host recalled the first time he met Kirk, “at a gun range of all places,” saying: “He was a nice guy when I met him.” “He’s not a violent person.”
He’s “speaking with people on college campuses.” “He wasn’t even particularly rude, and he tried to be fairly reasonable with people,” Rogan observed. “You’re allowed to disagree with people without celebrating the fact they got shot.”
YouTuber and professional boxer Jake Paul appeared to support claims that the shooting was politically motivated. Paul has been a vocal advocate for the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement.
“Charlie Kirk got shot for telling the truth,” he told me. “That is it. What a mentally ill time we are living through. We need God more than ever. “I’m praying for Charlie’s family and for these evil people to heal.”
Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, one of the president’s harshest critics, insisted that the “senseless” death should not be used to foment division.
“Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?” Kimmel wrote on social media.
“On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.”
Comedian and TV host O’Donnell, who has a decades-long feud with Trump, posted a photo of Kirk speaking at an event on her Instagram page with the caption: “No, just no—do not become the murderer—this is wrong on every level.”
“An appalling assault on free speech and democracy,” Morgan wrote. “Charlie always welcomed debate with anyone. This is disgusting and heartbreaking. “RIP, Charlie.”
Selma Blair from Legally Blonde commented on Kirk’s top-pinned Instagram post, calling him a “true patriot.” “And no matter what our views are, this man was someone who cared about all of us and created dialogue and thought,” she wrote, “and my heart goes out to his beautiful wife, children, and everyone else he means so much to.” Rest in peace.
Kristin Chenoweth, a Broadway legend, added: “I am. So. Upset. I didn’t always agree, but I appreciated some of the perspectives. What heartbreak. His younger family. I know where he is currently. Heaven. “But still.”
Harrison Butker, a Kansas City Chiefs player who is popular among young conservatives, posted a text message exchange with Kirk, along with a tribute.
“Thank you for your strong witness for Christ, Charlie,” she wrote. “Thank you for seeking the truth and leading your family as a husband and father. O Lord, grant them eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, as well as the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace through God’s mercy. Amen.”
Candace Cameron Bure of Fuller House posted a photo of Kirk with the caption, “We love you Charlie. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Kid Rock wrote on his Instagram Story, “God bless Charlie Kirk.” A true Patriot. “Pray for him.
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote on X, “My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk’s family and the United States.” Politics has become a disease in this country, and it is fatal. But don’t believe the pessimists who claim there is no cure. There is a cure. It’s inside of us.
“We must find our better angels and step back from the brink. If we can’t agree on anything else, we must agree to avoid using violence to settle our disagreements. This is a horrific tragedy. May it also be an opportunity for everyone to rediscover their humanity.”
US President Donald Trump praised Kirk as a “great” and “legendary” figure, ordering flags to be flown at half-mast across the country. He described Kirk’s assassination as a “dark moment for America”.
Kirk is survived by his wife Erika and two children.
