Chris Pratt has led celebrity tributes to right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot at a rally in Utah on Wednesday, September 10.
The Turning Point USA founder and leading ally of President Donald Trump was 31 years old at the time of his death, which has been called a “political assassination” by officials. A manhunt for his killer is underway.
Figures from both sides of the political aisle have paid tribute, including celebrities such as Hollywood actor Pratt, TV host Piers Morgan, and comedian Rosie O’Donnell.
“Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country,” Pratt, who is one of a few conservative voices in Hollywood, wrote on X/Twitter. “We need God’s grace. God help us.”
Former The View panelist Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Republican politician John McCain, offered a defiant response, insisting that the killing would not “silence” the conservative community.
“Rest in peace Charlie Kirk,” she wrote. “The mark you have made on the world will forever be a blessing and memory. We pray for your eternal rest with our Lord. May God bless your family always and be with your children and wife Erika.”
She added: “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 interupted to inform them of the shooting.
The two said they had “no idea” what was going on at the time, as the producer directed them to MSNBC’s now-fired political analyst Matthew Dowd’s comments, suggesting that Kirk’s death was caused by his own “hateful thoughts” and “awful words.”
“What a crazy take. F***,” Rogan said, predicting, “There’s going to be a lot of people celebrating this.”
He continued: “We’re so divided and there’s so many people that love it. They profit off that division. And they stoke the fires and they do it for their own profit and it’s so f***ing gross. And to encourage this kind of thing is really one of the most horrific things that you can do after someone dies horribly like this, is celebrate.”
Recalling the first time he met Kirk, “at a gun range of all places,” the host said: “He was a nice guy when I met him. He’s not a violent guy.”
He’s “talking to people on college campuses. Wasn’t even particularly rude, who’s tried to be pretty reasonable with people,” Rogan noted. “You’re allowed to disagree with people without celebrating the fact they got shot.”
YouTuber and professional boxer Jake Paul appeared to endorse claims that the shooting was politically motivated. Paul has been a vocal supporter of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement.
“Charlie Kirk got shot for telling the truth,” he said. “That is literally it. What a mentally 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.”
Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, one of the president’s staunchest critics, insisted the “senseless” death should not be used to create 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 in a social media post.
“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 been embroiled in a decades-long feud with Trump, shared a photo of Kirk speaking at an event on her Instagram page, adding the caption: “No just no—do not become the murderer—this is wrong on every level.”
“An appalling assault on free speech and democracy,” wrote Morgan. “Charlie always welcomed debate, with anyone. This is disgusting, and heart-breaking. RIP Charlie.”
Legally Blonde actor Selma Blair 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 is with his beautiful wife and children, and all who he means so much to. Rest in peace.”
Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth added: “I’m. So. Upset. Didn’t always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven. But still.”
Kansas City Chiefs player Harrison Butker, popular among young conservatives, shared a text message exchange with Kirk, along with a tribute.
“Thank you for your strong witness for Christ, Charlie,” Butker wrote. “Thank you for pursuing truth and leading your family as a husband and father. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
Fuller House star Candace Cameron Bure shared an image 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 heart is with Charlie Kirk’s family, and with the United States. Politics has become a disease in this country, and it’s deadly. But don’t listen to the pessimists who say there is no cure. There is a cure. It is inside of us.
My heart is with Charlie Kirk’s family, and with the United States.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) September 10, 2025
Politics has become a disease in this country, and it’s deadly. But don’t listen to the pessimists who say there is no cure.
There is a cure. It is inside of us. We must find our better angels and walk back…
“We must find our better angels and walk back from the extremes. If we can’t agree on anything else, we must find agreement that we don’t solve our debates with violence. This is a horrible tragedy. May it also be a moment for everyone to rediscover their humanity.”
US President Donald Trump honoured Kirk as a “great” and “legendary” individual, and ordered flags to be raised at half-mast across the country. He called Kirk’s killing a “dark moment for America”.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two children.
Charlie Kirk’s killing sends shockwaves, blame and vitriol through Capitol Hill
Charlie Kirk: How a Reagan-loving Chicago schoolboy became a millionaire MAGA leader and Trump ally
Comedy Central pulls South Park episode mocking Charlie Kirk off air after shooting
Stephen Colbert breaks protocol to open show with plea after Charlie Kirk shooting
Glen Powell credits Chris Pratt’s Marvel role for changing Hollywood
