Heartbroken Kai Trump Reacts to Assassination of Trump Family Friend Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative voice, was shot and killed on Wednesday during a speaking event at Utah Valley University.

The shooting occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. local time, according to the university, as reported by The New York Post.

Ellen Treanor, Associate Vice President of Strategic Communication Management at Utah Valley University, confirmed in a statement to Fox News that the university issued a campus-wide alert after the incident.

The alert read, “A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now.”

Kirk had been scheduled to speak as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” He was slated to appear later this month at Utah State University. Video posted from the Utah Valley event appeared to show Kirk under a white pop-up tent addressing a crowd when the fatal shot was fired.

President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death in a social media post at 4:40 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” the President wrote.

Rest in Peace, Charlie Kirk. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/I53nGCKaRD

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 10, 2025

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Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children.

Kai Trump, granddaughter of President Trump, also reacted to the news on Instagram Stories, calling Kirk a “close family friend.”

She wrote, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news about Charlie Kirk. My heart goes out to his wife Erika and their two children. He was a close family friend and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this tragic time. Rest in peace Charlie.”

I am deeply saddened to hear the news about Charlie Kirk. My heart goes out to his wife Erika and their two children. He was a close family friend and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this tragic time. Rest in peace Charlie.

— Kai Trump (@kaitrump) September 11, 2025

The news prompted reactions from prominent sports figures. Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow expressed his grief on X.

“I’m shocked and devastated to learn about the passing of Charlie Kirk. Above all else, Charlie was a follower of Jesus, a husband, and a dad. He was a man of passion, courage, and devoted his life to make an eternal impact,” Tebow posted.

I’m shocked and devastated to learn about the passing of Charlie Kirk.

Above all else, Charlie was a follower of Jesus, a husband, and a dad. He was a man of passion, courage, and devotion to making an eternal impact.

Demi and I are praying for Erika, his two children, and…

— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) September 11, 2025

Brett Favre, another former NFL quarterback, said: “I’m at a loss for words. Only thing I can think of is tragic. Please keep Charlie Kirk and his family in your prayers.”

I’m at a loss for words. Only thing I can think of is tragic.

Please keep Charlie Kirk and his family in your prayers… pic.twitter.com/yUYSZ8Gm16

— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) September 10, 2025

Others in the sports world joined in sharing condolences. Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman and World Series champion Mark Teixeira, who recently announced his run for Congress, both issued public statements mourning Kirk’s death.

Kirk rose to prominence as a conservative activist and commentator, building Turning Point USA into a national organization aimed at empowering young conservatives.

His assassination at Utah Valley University has sparked widespread grief among supporters, colleagues, and political leaders.

The shooter remains at large, and police continue to investigate the attack.

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