The shooting at Utah Valley University has left the political and sports world reeling. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot while speaking at a student Q&A and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Witnesses described chaos inside the auditorium as gunfire erupted. Screams echoed through the venue, and security rushed attendees out while first responders attempted to save Kirk. Police confirmed a suspect is in custody, though no motive has been released.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children. Just minutes before the attack, he posted on X about the energy on campus: “Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.”
Giants Rookie Speaks Out After Hometown Tragedy
For New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, the news was personal. The 21-year-old grew up in Kaysville, Utah, less than an hour from the university. After watching footage of the shooting, Dart took to Instagram with a raw, emotional reaction.
“This is some bull s** man!!! Absolutely sickening!!! Praying for him and his family,”*Dart wrote in a since-deleted story, alongside a photo of Kirk holding one of his children. “Charlie did great things for our country!! Political Violence NEEDS TO STOP!!”
He later shared a Team Trump graphic reading “Pray for Charlie Kirk” with his own message: “May God watch over him and his family!”
Sports and Politics React to Kirk’s Death
The sports world joined political leaders in expressing shock. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Vice President JD Vance added: “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
Ex-NFL linebacker Will Compton called the news “incredibly sad,” and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy labeled the footage “absolutely disgusting and disturbing.”
The Department of Homeland Security has repeatedly warned about the growing threat of domestic political violence in America, noting in January that risks against public figures are at historic levels per the Associated Press.
For Dart, the tragedy was not only national news but a reminder of home. “Pray for our country man,” the rookie quarterback added. “This is disgusting and sad.”
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