White House posts tribute to ‘man of unwavering faith who dedicated his life to America’
The White House shared a moving video tribute to the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on Friday evening, featuring clips of the late 31-year-old quoting scripture and speaking at events.
“In loving memory of Charlie Kirk, a fearless patriot & man of unwavering faith who dedicated his life to America,” the official White House X account posted.
The post also features a quote from Kirk directly, writing “It’s bigger than you, I want you to remember that… It’s bigger than me – you are here to make somebody else’s life better, the pursuit of liberty & freedom.”
The co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA was assassinated on Wednesday at Utah Valley University while beginning his “American Comeback” speaking tour.
His widow, Erika, is expected to make her first public remarks since the incident later tonight.
The Connecticut Republican Party
on Friday accused a Democratic state education official of posting a “chilling reaction” on social media to Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk’s death.
The party shared a screenshot of what appeared to be a social media account belonging to Farmington Board of Education Chairman Bill Beckert, reposting a comment that said, “They Reap What They Sow.”
“As the official responsible for the education of Farmington’s children, you’d expect Mr. Beckert to show restraint and basic decency,” Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto said in a statement.
“Instead, he celebrated the brutal murder of a young husband and father of two, whose only ‘crime’ was having an opinion. That is grotesque. It is a betrayal of the values every educator and public servant should embody.”
Proto added that Kirk’s beliefs were “grounded in faith and love of country,” and he “never called for violence.”
Proto also accused Beckert of wanting to silence those who disagree with him.
“His words read like an endorsement of political violence,” Proto wrote. “Farmington parents and taxpayers must ask themselves: is this the example they want for their children?”
This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News’ Brie Stimson.
Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts said the speech given by Charlie Kirk’s wife, Erika, after his shooting death “was a Braveheart moment for the conservative movement and America,” referring to the 1995 film.
“This speech wasn’t just a tour de force amid the worst possible circumstances imaginable — it was a Braveheart moment for the conservative movement and America,” Roberts wrote on X. “God be with you, @MrsErikaKirk. Thank you. Onward.”
In the speech, she thanked first responders and the family’s supporters, particularly President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
“Mr. President, my husband loved you,” she said.
She also vowed to ensure the movement of youth activism her husband helped create does not die with him.
“The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won’t. I refuse to let that happen. It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever,” she said.
The widow said, “One of Charlie’s favorite Bible verses was Ephesians 5:25: ‘Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her.'”
“My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children. He showed the ultimate and true covenantal love,” she added.
Office Depot fired an employee at its Portage, Michigan, store on Friday after a video went viral on social media showing employees refusing to print posters of Charlie Kirk that a customer ordered for a vigil honoring the late conservative activist.
The company said in a statement to Fox News Digital that it is “deeply concerned by the unfortunate customer experience” that took place at Store 3382. In the video, a person recording can be heard telling a trio of employees that they came into the store earlier in the night to pick up an order for posters to be used at a vigil.
An employee, who identified herself as one of the store’s manager, responded by saying, “Yea, so, we don’t print propaganda.” She then doubled down and said, “It’s propaganda. I’m sorry. We don’t print that here.”
When the person recording the video asked what makes the posters propaganda, she said, “Because he’s a political figure and I don’t have to…” before another employee cut her off and said the general manager would be in on Monday.
Office Depot said Friday night that an “immediate internal review” was launched and the employee involved in the incident is “no longer with the organization.” The company also said it reached out to the customer as soon as it learned of the incident “to address their concerns and seek to fulfill their order to their satisfaction.”
“The behavior displayed by our associate is completely unacceptable and insensitive, violates our company policies, and does not reflect the values we uphold at Office Depot. On behalf of the Company, we sincerely apologize for this regrettable situation,” the statement said.
The company did not state which employee was fired, and said it will “continue to aggressively investigate the matter” and action will be taken where it is appropriate.
The statement ended with, “We are committed to reinforcing training with all team members to ensure our standards of respect, integrity, and customer service are upheld at every location. Our customers and communities deserve nothing less.”
Hundreds of Utah State University students still reeling from the assassination of Charlie Kirk came together at a tearful vigil hosted by the campus’ Turning Point USA chapter on Friday night.
“We just want to have our community come together in this really dark time,” Kaitlyn Griffiths, president of the school’s chapter, told Fox News Digital at the emotional and faithful tribute to the late conservative activist. “Especially something that happened so close to home for us. And we want to be able to gather and celebrate this man’s life.”
A heavy police presence was seen throughout the university as hundreds of mourners filled the campus to pay tribute to Kirk, with the vigil including prayers from the student body and a moving film featuring key moments in his career.
“I’m a Christian,” Griffiths said. “I believe that Jesus Christ died for us, and Charlie Kirk believed in the same things. The thing that he always said he wanted to be remembered [for] was his courage and his faith, so we’re trying to focus our event tonight on celebrating his faith, and the man that he was, and how strongly and harshly he worked for the things that he cared for.”
USU student Travis Ferraro echoed the same sentiments surrounding his Christian faith while attending the candlelight vigil, hosted on the campus’ quad.
“I felt called by God to pray over everybody, and pray for their families and for everyone surrounding him,” Ferraro told Fox News Digital. “And also just to give a devotional, just about how to treat each other with kindness.”
This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News’ Peter D’Abrosca and Julia Bonavita.
Erika Kirk, the wife of the late Charlie Kirk, posted on Instagram Friday night for the first time since her husband was murdered during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
The post, which had a combination of 12 photos and videos, included very intimate moments showing her mourning over her husband’s casket and being comforted by Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance.
In a caption with words very similar to the public remarks she made a few hours earlier, she promised to keep Charlie’s name and legacy alive while holding on to her faith in God.
“The world is evil. But our savior. Our Lord. Our God. He … He is so good. I will never have the words. Ever,” her caption reads, in part.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Friday condemned the “ugly” and “dark” celebrations of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, noting that hundreds of leaders across party lines had reached out to him to express their sadness and disgust over the fatal shooting.
Cox, in an appearance on Fox News’ “Special Report” Friday afternoon, discussed the ongoing investigation into Kirk’s murder.
The conservative activist was fatally shot during a campus event in Utah Wednesday. Authorities have since arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspected killer, who is believed to have acted alone, Cox said.
“The
investigation is ongoing,” Cox said. “They’re still following every lead. … But every piece of evidence we have so far makes it very clear that the assassin acted alone.”
Cox urged Americans to reject the cycle of political violence and noted that hundreds of Democratic officials had reached out to him to express their ‘true sadness’ and disgust at the attack.
He also warned against conspiracy theories spreading online and called celebratory reactions to Kirk’s death “so ugly and so dark.”
“Those violent images that we saw are just terrible,” Cox said. “We’re not conditioned for that type of information. … We’ve lost too much of our humanity, and it happens in those dark corners of social media. … We just have to find a way to disconnect from that.”
The Utah governor, who had spoken with Kirk’s family and described their grief as “devastating,” said the suspected shooter’s actions were motivated by hatred toward the Turning Point USA founder and his beliefs.
This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News Digital’s Sophia Compton.
A simple silver cross that Charlie Kirk
wore every day has become a symbol of faith and resilience in the wake of his death.
On “The Ingraham Angle” Friday night, Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of “The Charlie Kirk Show” and one of Kirk’s closest friends shared the story behind the now-celebrated necklace.
Kolvet explained that Erika first gave Charlie the cross when they were dating. “She said, you’re a Christian, why don’t you wear a cross? And he said, I don’t know, I’m not a jewelry guy,” Kolvet recalled.
Charlie put it on and never took it off again. “He never took it off until he was assassinated. And the people caring for him ripped it off as they tried to save his life. And Erika has it on her at all times now.”
Earlier this week, Erika was photographed holding that same cross necklace out of her car window. The gesture, Kolvet said was her way of showing strength and reminding the world of Charlie’s faith.
Kolvet called Erika “as strong as iron… a lioness” and praised her courage in the face of devastating loss.
He added that Charlie’s mission of faith, patriotism and family would not stop with his death. “We want Charlie and the influence that he had on this world to multiply. And we’re going to make sure that happens.”
The gray Dodger Challenger believed to be the one owned by Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson was towed Friday.
Authorities were seen around the vehicle outside the home of Robinson’s parents in Utah, and were also gathered around a large truck wearing gloves, and taking and reviewing images.
Investigators reviewed additional video footage from Utah Valley University surveillance cameras and identified Robinson arriving on campus in a gray Dodge Challenger at around 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday.
A family member confirmed with investigators that Robinson had a gray Dodge Challenger.
Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
, made her first public remarks just two days after her husband was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Standing next to her husband’s empty studio chair and clutching his cross necklace as she spoke, her podium bore the words: “May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Savior.”
Thousands had been waiting to hear from Erika, not only as Charlie’s partner in life but as a mother of their two young children and a leader in her own right.
She first thanked first responders and family’s supporters, especially President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. “Mr. President, my husband loved you,” she declared.
From that stage, Erika shared Charlie’s private conviction about what would matter most if he had ever entered politics. “Charlie always said that if he ever ran for office… his top priority would be to revive the American family,” the mother-of-two said.
She also pointed to one of Charlie’s life-guiding scriptures. “One of Charlie’s favorite Bible verses was Ephesians 5:25: ‘Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her.’”
Erika said that verse was more than words for her husband, but a reflection of his life and sacrifice. “My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children. He showed the ultimate and true covenantal love.”
Even in mourning, Erika emphasized her faith. “Our world is filled with evil. But our God is so good. So incredibly good.”
She refused to take her husband’s death in stride. “The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won’t. I refuse to let that happen. It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever,” she said.
She announced that TPUSA’s campus tours and AmericaFest will continue, and grow. “There will be even more tours in the years to come,” she said. “The radio and podcast show he was so proud of will go on.”
Erika admitted she hadn’t slept since her late husband’s death and is still showing up as a present mother to her two small children despite the circumstances. “When I got home last night, Gigi, our daughter, ran into my arms… She asked, ‘Where’s daddy?’ I told her, ‘He’s on a work trip with Jesus for your blueberry budget.’”
She promised, “I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing this nation has ever seen.”
“God bless you all, and God bless America.”
Erika Kirk, formerly Erika Frantzve, married Charlie in May 2021. A former Miss Arizona USA, she is a real estate professional, nonprofit founder and host of the podcast “Midweek Rise Up.”
Charlie Kirk, 31, was the co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA).
The Chicago Cubs flew the American flag at half-staff for Friday’s home game against the Tampa Bay Rays in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated during a campus event in Utah on Wednesday.
The team also held a “moment of reflection” for Kirk, calling for an end to “all political violence.”
“May all of us as Americans come together in solidarity to strengthen our nation, end these senseless acts and turn to civil discourse to discuss our differences,” a message said before the game was said throughout the ballpark.
The Cubs recognized Kirk as a “lifelong” fan before holding the moment of silence.
The flag at Wrigley Field was flown at half-staff in accordance with MLB’s request that teams follow President Donald Trump’s presidential proclamation.
In a statement to Fox News Digital on Thursday, the league confirmed that it “asked all of the Clubs to follow the direction of the White House Presidential Proclamation and fly flags at half-staff in their ballparks.”
This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News Digital’s Paulina Dedaj.
Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, will make her first remarks Friday evening since her husband’s death, Turning Point USA said.
Kirk will address the media at 8:15 p.m. ET from Arizona, where her husband will be buried.
The event will be livestreamed on Turning Point USA’s YouTube, X and Rumble pages.
It will also be shown live on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime.”
A popular Ohio barbecue restaurant is facing major backlash after one of its co-owners called conservative activist Charlie Kirk a “piece of s–t” in a social media post following his assassination.
Shortly after Kirk, 31, was shot Wednesday while speaking at a campus event in Utah, Aaron Sharpe, co-owner of Lucius Q in Cincinnati, commented on a Facebook post from someone offering prayers for the husband and father of two.
“Good riddance,” Sharpe wrote in a post that is no longer publicly visible but has been circulated widely online in screenshots. “What a piece of s–t,” he added.
On Wednesday evening, Sharpe doubled down on Facebook, posting: “Don’t you dare come at me with your hypocrisy. … If you think that threats of social media attacks on me or my business will in any way keep me silent about what I believe, you are sorely mistaken.”
Many of his social media posts expressed criticism of President Donald Trump, who was an ally of Kirk. A 22-year-old suspect in Kirk’s assassination has been arrested, law enforcement officials said Friday.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Sharpe for comment. By late Friday morning, his Facebook account appeared to be deactivated.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital’s Deirdre Bardolf.
The president of Utah Valley University on Friday said the college has received “countless” notes of love and support following the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on campus.
“During this very sad time, we have an opportunity to show that human connection is stronger than violence. That love is stronger than fear,” UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez said in a video message.
Tuminez said the school was working with local, state and federal authorities to ensure a safe return to campus. The school will disclose information regarding the re-opening of the school on Friday, she said.
Tuminez said her “heart breaks” for Kirks wife, Erika, and their two young children.
“I grieve with everyone who has been affected,” she said.
An assistant campus director at George Washington University took to social media shortly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk and said it is “fair” that Kirk was gunned down due to his support of gun ownership and the Second Amendment.
“If nothing else, it is fair, in a nation where children get massacred by gun violence on the regular, the people who advocate for continued gun ownership at the expense of those children are not immune from the consequences of their advocacy,” Anthony Pohorilak, assistant director of Academic Initiatives at George Washington University’s Mount Vernon Campus, posted on his personal Facebook after Kirk was killed.
“No thoughts no prayers,” the GWU employee added.
The Facebook post, exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital, received 37 likes and love reactions from Pohorilak’s friend group.
“The George Washington University unequivocally condemns all forms of violence,” a university spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement.
“As a university with one of the most politically engaged campus communities in the country, we believe everyone is entitled to their beliefs and no one should ever be subject to violence for expressing their views. This individual employee is not authorized to speak on behalf of GW and his opinions do not reflect those of the university.”
This is an excerpt from Fox News Digital’s Andrew Mark Miller.
The late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk previously advocated for the death penalty
on several occasions, arguing it should apply broadly in murder cases rather than only in the most extreme circumstances.
Officials on Friday identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the suspect in Kirk’s assassination on a Utah college campus. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the state intends to pursue the death penalty if the case goes to trial, while President Donald Trump also voiced support, saying he hopes Robinson receives the death penalty if found guilty.
Earlier this year, Kirk discussed his stance on capital punishment during an exchange with a student that was captured in a video posted to Turning Point USA’s YouTube channel. Kirk was asked about how he could support a “limited government” while also believing it should have the power to execute people.
“I believe in a small but strong government and, for the record, I believe that someone who took a life should have their life taken,” Kirk told the student.
“Under every circumstance?” the student asks Kirk.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital’s Sophia Compton.
An air traffic controller in Phoenix honored Charlie Kirk upon the landing of Air Force Two on Thursday after his body was escorted from Utah by Vice President JD Vance.
“Welcome home, Charlie. You didn’t deserve it. May God bless your family,” an air traffic controller was heard saying while guiding the aircraft.
Kirk will be buried in Phoenix following his assassination while visiting Utah Valley University this week.
There are active discussions within senior ranks at the Justice Department to bring a federal charge or charges against Tyler Robinson, Fox News has learned.
The federal death penalty is in play under U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Robinson has been named by authorities as the shooter who killed Kirk this week while visiting Utah Valley University.
After conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday, Americans across the country donated millions of dollars through online fundraisers for his family, a surge of support underscoring his influence on the right and the legacy he left behind.
On GiveSendGo’s giving platform, fundraising efforts have amassed more than $2.8 million. The company confirmed to Fox News Digital that one campaign set a record for raising the most money in the shortest period of time.
“GiveSendGo has always been a place where people can immediately respond to crises. Within hours of Charlie’s tragic death, friends and supporters had set up a campaign. The fact that it took off so quickly shows just how deeply his life impacted people and how urgent the desire was to support his family,” GiveSendGo co-founder and co-CEO Heather Wilson told Fox News Digital.
“What we’re seeing is that people want to respond quickly when tragedy strikes, and crowdfunding has become one of the primary ways they do that.
“We always remind ourselves that behind every campaign are real people who are hurting. Our responsibility is to provide a safe and secure platform for people to rally around one another in times of need,” Wilson added. “When the spotlight is on us, we don’t see it as pressure. We see it as an opportunity to point people back to hope, generosity and community.”
This is an excerpt from an article by FOX Business’ Kristen Altus.
After Charlie Kirk’s murder, a plan to launch the first-in-the-nation standalone hate crimes bill focused on political violence will have bipartisan support in the otherwise deep-blue state of New Jersey.
In a Friday interview shortly after announcing the legislation, state Sen. Doug Steinhardt, R-Belvidere, told Fox News Digital the bill has support from at least one major Democrat; portending potential good political fortunes.
Steinhardt’s bill, to be introduced when the session returns from recess, has the support of state Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Brian Stack, D-Union City, who is also mayor of that New York City suburb.
“No person should fear hate-fueled political violence for expressing their opinion, and anyone who resorts to such violence to silence that opinion will suffer the full weight of the law,” Steinhardt said.
He said the bill does not create a new category of crime but provides enhanced hate-crime penalties for crimes committed to “punish or silence” someone from engaging in politics or expressing their personal views.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz.
Charlie Kirk’s colleagues praised Vice President JD Vance‘s response after the assassination, offering new details on Kirk’s web show about the Air Force Two flight back to Phoenix, Arizona with the late 31-year-old and his wife, Erika.
Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of “The Charlie Kirk Show,” said Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance flew to Salt Lake City and spoke with them on the flight back, with Vance spending “most of his time” with Erika.
“I mean, just class act,” Kolvet said. “[Vance] hugged us all.”
Tyler Bowyer, the Chief Operating Officer of Turning Point USA, added the vice president is “genuinely interested in individuals,” and offered a “warm touch,” ensuring Kirk was honored the way he deserved.
“It’s never going to be forgotten by this team,” Bowyer said. “It’s never going to be forgotten by the conservative movement, [and by] the entire Turning Point family. That is such a testament to our vice president’s character, because it’s just as easy to say, ‘I can’t.’”
Kolvet said Vance was extremely close with Kirk and is grieving privately, understanding it is “not his moment.”
“JD is hurting too,” Kolvet said. “JD loved Charlie as a brother and as a friend. They talked … probably on text almost every day, if not every day. JD was strong. He understood the moment was probably not his moment to grieve. He’s grieving in private. He was there, and he was strong. Usha was strong. I just, I love him for it. There’s a lot to love about JD, but that was a really amazing, really amazing moment.”
Pope Leo XIV on Friday called for the building of a “culture of reconciliation” amid a series of tragic news headlines.
“We must meet one another, heal our wounds, and forgive the wrongs we did and did not do, but whose effects we still carry,” he wrote on X. “There are no enemies — only brothers and sisters. What we need are gestures and policies of reconciliation.”
Leo didn’t mention the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which has dominated the news cycle in recent days.
Conservatives on social media are railing against Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., over a substack appearance where she criticized conservative commentator Charlie Kirk following his assassination, with some calling for her to be removed from Congress.
“Rep. Ilhan Omar (D) is now ATTACKING and SMEARING Charlie Kirk after he was assassinated,” conservative influencer account LibsofTikTok posted on X Thursday. “This is an elected representative. She needs to RESIGN. EVIL.”
Red State writer Bonchie wrote on X, “Ilhan Omar going on with Mehdi Hasan so they can both mock Charlie Kirk and lie about his ‘actions’ to justify his assassination is exactly what you’d expect.”
“Look at their grins,” conservative influencer account End Wokeness posted on X.
“Yeah I’ve had it with tolerance for evil,” conservative influencer Robby Starbuck posted on X. “Expel Ilhan Omar from Congress and deport her to Somalia. She reportedly committed immigration fraud with her sham marriage to her brother so this shouldn’t be hard to do. I have no tolerance left for this evil.”
The clip drew the attention of Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, who wrote on X, “@IlhanMN, in the United States of America we have freedom of speech.”
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital’s Andrew Mark Miller.
A U.S. Secret Service agent who expressed negative opinions on social media about Charlie Kirk has been placed on leave and had his security clearance revoked.
“The U.S. Secret Service will not tolerate behavior that violates our code of conduct. This employee was immediately put on administrative leave, and an investigation has begun,” a U.S. Secret Service spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Friday afternoon when asked about the employment status of Anthony Pough.
Pough had celebrated Kirk’s shocking assassination in a Facebook post, which included accusing the slain conservative firebrand of spewing “racism.”
“If you are Mourning [sic] this guy .. delete me. He spewed hate and racism on his show,” he wrote, according to Real Clear Politics, which first reported on Pough’s post on Thursday.
Fox News Digital’s Emma Cotton contributed to this post.
A memorial for the late Charlie Kirk took shape outside Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday, a day after the conservative activist’s body was brought to the funeral home. Mourners left tributes including American flags, bouquets of flowers, a red-heart shaped balloon and other offerings outside the mortuary’s entrance.
“Since Charlie Kirk’s body was brought to Hansen Mortuary on Thursday evening, our normally quiet neighborhood has seen an increased police presence and an influx of people,” resident Andrea Owens, who lives blocks away from the funeral home, told Fox News Digital. “Some are coming to pay their respect by leaving flowers, letter or flags. Others seem to just be curious onlookers.”
Kirk’s body had been escorted to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in a motorcade on Thursday. He will be laid to rest in Arizona, where his nonprofit, Turning Point USA, is based. President Donald Trump has announced he will attend the funeral.
The Florida Department of Education will investigate public school teachers who celebrate the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the agency said Thursday.
In a letter to school superintendents across the state, Florida DOE Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said he would initiate a probe into every teacher who engages in “this vile, sanctionable behavior.”
“Although educators have First Amendments rights, these rights do not extend without limit into their professional duties,” the letter states. “If an educator’s conduct causes a student to his or her family to feel unwelcome or unwilling to participate in the learning environment, it may be a violation” of the state’s education code.
Kamoutsas noted that Florida law allows him to discipline teachers found guilty of personal conduct that reduces an educator’s effectiveness as a school district employee.
The founder and CEO of Roblox, the popular online gaming platform, said he was “saddened” by the passing of Charlie Kirk following criticism that the game featured content about the conservative activist assassination.
“Our Community Standards prohibit content and behavior that re-enacts specific real world violent or sensitive events or promotes terrorism or hatred against individuals or groups, and we do not allow any image or video sharing in chat,” David Baszucki wrote on X. “In addition to automated scans, our moderation team is taking swift action. If anyone sees content that violates our policies, please flag and we will rapidly review.”
Baszucki’s statement was in response to U.S. Rep. Anna Paula Luna, R-Fla., who criticized Roblox.
“I have just been notified that Roblox is working immediately to remove content featuring the assassination of Charlie Kirk,” she posted Thursday on social media. “Thank you to their CEO for not allowing this nasty and vile content stay on their platform.”
Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk “didn’t take a salary” from the organization for several years, it was revealed Friday on his web show.
“Part of the reason why this show exists is because Charlie didn’t want to do things that would cost money from Turning Point. For years and years and years and years, Charlie didn’t take a salary from Turning Point,” Tyler Bowyer, the Chief Operating Officer of Turning Point USA, said on “The Charlie Kirk Show.”
A seat was left empty for Kirk during the broadcast.
“He paid himself — I know this because I was the one that had to approve payrolls for Turning Point for seven years — He paid himself, like $30,000 a year,” Bowyer added.
“He didn’t take a wage for the first five years. And then his first wage, I think, was like tiny,” added his executive producer, Andrew Kolvet.
“Part of the show was that, he was able to give back. So it cost Turning Point nothing for Charlie to run Turning Point,” Bowyer continued.
“People don’t know this,” Kolvet then said. “Charlie paid back his salary, and then some, back to Turning Point every year. He donated back, all that.”
Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
Erika Kirk, the widow of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk,
was photographed waving to supporters who gathered to watch as a motorcade escorted his body to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix, Ariz., on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Erika Kirk was seen clutching a cross on a chain as she traveled in a vehicle.
She was seen earlier holding hands with second lady Usha Vance as they brought Charlie Kirk’s body back to Arizona following his assassination in Utah.
The pair were filmed walking down the steps of Air Force Two, with Vice President JD Vance behind them.
The suspect accused of killing Charlie Kirk could face federal charges as soon as today, Fox News has been told.
There are active discussions and preparations underway to file a federal charge or potentially multiple federal charges against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a source said to Fox News.
In February, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that, “The Department of Justice will once again act as the law demands — including by seeking death sentences in appropriate cases and swiftly implementing those sentences in accordance with the law.”
Fox News’ David Spunt contributed to this report.
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been identified as the suspected killer in Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination on a Utah college campus.
“We got him on the evening of Sept. 11,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced in a Friday morning news briefing.
“A family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend who contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident.”
Since-deleted Facebook posts, viewed by Fox News Digital, paint a picture of Robinson’s life in Washington County, Utah, filled with family milestones, birthdays and school achievements.
By 2021, Robinson was shown moving into Utah State University (USU), with photos outside the Richard and Moonyeen Anderson Engineering Building.
The Utah Board of Higher Education confirmed that Robinson was a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College. He briefly attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021 and received concurrent enrollment credit through Utah Tech University while in high school from 2019-2021, the board said.
“Utah’s colleges and universities work to ensure that more than 225,000 students are gaining the skills, knowledge and experiences they need to succeed in the workforce and build stronger communities,” the board said in a statement. “Our campuses foster exploration, learning and the respectful exchange of diverse viewpoints. Attempts to silence or intimidate those voices have no place here. We will continue working to ensure our students, faculty and guests can safely express their perspectives.”
Utah authorities recommended charging Tyler Robinson, the suspect accused of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, with aggravated murder, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The affidavit also recommends charging Robinson with “felony discharge of a firearm — causing serious bodily injury” and “obstruction of justice — capital/first degree felony conduct.”
It detailed a timeline of the shooting and evidence that was recovered.
“Based on the evidence detailed in this statement, I believe there is probable cause that Tyler Robinson committed the crimes of aggravated murder by
shooting Charlie Kirk in a circumstance that put many around him at grave risk of death, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice for moving and hiding the rifle believed to be used in the shooting,” an officer wrote in the document.
Fox News’ Michael Ruiz and Paul Mauro contributed to this report.
Dozens of Republican House lawmakers, spearheaded by Florida Rep. Cory Mills, co-sponsored a resolution this week condemning political violence and honoring the life of Charlie Kirk following his assassination Wednesday in Utah.
“Charlie Kirk was a fearless voice for conservative values, God’s Word, and a well-known champion of free speech,” Mills told Fox News Digital
of the resolution Thursday. “He was tragically taken from us in a heinous act of political violence on Sept. 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University. As someone who had the privilege of speaking with Charlie, conducting interviews with him, working alongside him, and addressing audiences at Turning Point USA events, I am saddened by this loss.”
Fifty-two House Republicans co-sponsored the House Resolution titled, “Honoring Charlie Kirk following his assassination on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah,” which simultaneously condemns the horrific deadly shooting of Kirk, while also honoring the Turning Point USA founder’s legacy and reaffirms support for the First Amendment and protecting peaceful assembly.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called Charlie Kirk’s assassination an “attack on the American experiment.”
“I’ve heard people say, ‘why are we so invested in this?’ There’s violence happening all across our country, and violence is tragic everywhere,” Cox added. “And every life taken is a child of God who deserves our love and respect and dignity.
“This is certainly about the tragic death, assassination, political assassination of Charlie Kirk. But it is also much bigger than an attack on an individual. It is an attack on all of us,” Cox continued. “It is an attack on the American experiment. It is an attack on our ideals. This cuts to the very foundation of who we are, of who we have been and who we could be in better times.
“Political violence is different than any other type of violence for lots of different reasons. One, because in the very act that Charlie championed of expression, that freedom of expression that is enshrined in our founding documents. In having his life taken in that very act makes it more difficult for people to feel like they can share their ideas, that they can speak freely,” Cox also said. “We will never be able to solve all the other problems, including the violence problems that people are worried about if we can’t have a clash of ideas safely and securely. Even, especially, especially those ideas with which you disagree. That’s why this matters so much.”
Utah State University announced Friday that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect arrested in the killing of Charlie Kirk,
“briefly attended” classes there for one semester in 2021.
Robinson was a pre-engineering major and took classes consistent with that major for his one semester, Fox News Digital learned.
Kirk, a conservative activist, was shot and killed on Wednesday at Utah Valley University during the first stop of Turning Point USA’s “The American Comeback Tour.”
The tour was scheduled to head to Utah State University later this month.
“Utah State University officials have received several messages from alumni and students who are concerned about the Turning Point USA event, which will be hosted on campus by a student club on Sept. 30,” the school said Friday.
“Universities play a unique role in the discovery, expansion, and dissemination of knowledge by fostering scientific exploration, free inquiry, and a robust exchange of ideas,” it added. “Free inquiry is the cornerstone of this pursuit of knowledge, and safeguarding an open environment for free expression is paramount to Utah State University fulfilling its mission.”
Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Friday that charges are coming soon for Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old arrested following Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
“There is one person responsible for what happened here, and that person is now in custody and will be charged soon and will be held accountable,” Cox said.
Cox said a roommate of Robinson shared with investigators, “messages affiliated with the contact Tyler stating a need to retrieve a rifle from a drop point, leaving the rifle in a bush.”
Police had announced earlier this week that a bolt-action rifle was recovered in the wake of Wednesday’s shooting at Utah Valley University.
“Messages from the contact Tyler also mentioned that he had changed outfits,” Cox said.
Cox noted that when Robinson had “different clothing” on when he was first spotted on campus and then changed clothing on the roof.
According to the governor, Robinson “then changed back into that clothing at some point” so that when he was apprehended, “the clothing matched the clothing he had on before the shooting here at UVU.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said Friday, “To my friend Charlie Kirk: Rest now, brother. We have the watch and I’ll see you in Valhalla.”
Patel said the investigation remains ongoing following the arrest of suspect Tyler Robinson.
“As the governor said, and we will continue to work with state and local authorities to develop the investigation, to provide them the evidence they need for their ongoing prosecutions. And we will be here to answer every call they absolutely have, as long as it takes, for as long as we need to find and apprehend whatever suspects were involved in this crime,” Patel added.
Patel noted that as of Friday morning, 11,000 leads were called in to the FBI.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Friday following the arrest of the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination that, “In 33 hours, we have made historic progress for Charlie.”
“I want to express my deep gratitude to President Trump, the vice president, and the entire White House who have been so incredibly supportive with both resources and just personally to the FBI as a team,” Patel added. “They had our backs the entire way. And I just want to express my gratitude for giving us the resources we need to operate in this space to bring this sort of justice at this sort of speed.”
“A case like this cannot be solved, cannot be brought without partnering with your state and local authorities,” Patel also said.
Patel noted that more than 11,000 leads were called in to the FBI, as of Friday morning.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Friday that authorities have captured the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
“We got him,” Cox said.
“On the evening of September 11, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend who contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident.”
“Investigators interviewed a family member of Robinson who stated that Robinson had become more political in recent years,” Cox continued. “The family member referenced a recent incident in which Robinson came to dinner prior to September 10, and in that conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to UVU. They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had.” Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Utah Valley University.
Police have arrested a suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus earlier this week – identified by sources as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident.
Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was sitting under a tent around 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, debating with students on hot-button current affairs issues, when a single shot rang out. Video from the scene shows him struck in the neck before he slumped out of his chair.
He had been invited to speak at Utah Valley University by the campus chapter of Turning Point USA, a national conservative student group he founded.
“I think with a high-degree of certainty, we have him,” President Donald Trump revealed on “FOX & Friends” Friday morning. He added that, “essentially, someone who knew him turned him in.”
Fox News’ David Spunt contributed to this report.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, FBI Director Kash Patel and other state and federal officials will soon hold a news conference after President Donald Trump announced an arrest in the manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s assassin.
Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Earlier on “FOX & Friends,” Trump said that he thinks with “a high degree of certainty” that authorities have a suspect in custody.
A resurfaced interview clip has become a poignant reminder of Charlie Kirk’s words and the legacy he leaves behind.
During a June 29 appearance on “The Iced Coffee Hour,” Kirk was asked by host Jack Selby how he wants to be remembered if “everything completely goes away.”
“I want to be remembered for courage, for my faith,” Kirk said in the widely circulated clip. “That would be the most important thing; most important thing is my faith,” he added.
Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, was unapologetic defender of conservative values and the Christian faith.
This is an excerpt from a story by Fox New Digital’s Bonny Chu.
President Donald Trump said on “FOX & Friends” Friday that conservative activist Charlie Kirk “in many ways, he’s bigger now because of what happened.”
“You know, we have so many bad people, so many bad philosophies, ideologies, politics. His was basically just good,” Trump said.
“He talked about family, talked about getting married, go get married. You know, sounds old fashioned when you think about it. But he’s right. He was just, he was just on. And it’s a shame that that voice has been stopped,” Trump added.
The president also said he “didn’t watch” videos circulating on social media of Kirk’s shooting.
“I didn’t want to remember Charlie that way,” Trump said.
President Donald Trump said Friday on “Fox & Friends” that he hopes Charlie Kirk’s assassin gets the death penalty.
“I hope he’s going to be found guilty, I would imagine. And I hope he gets the death penalty,” Trump said. “What he did, Charlie Kirk was the finest person, he didn’t deserve this. He worked so hard and so well. Everybody liked him.”
Trump made the remarks after announcing an arrest was made in the manhunt for Kirk’s assassin.
The president said, “essentially somebody that was very close” to the suspect turned him in.
“Somebody that was very close to him said, ‘hmm, that’s him.’ And essentially went to the father, went to a U.S. marshal who was fantastic, by the way, and the person was involved with law enforcement, but was a person of faith, a minister, and brought him to a U.S. Marshal who was fantastic and the father convinced the son, this is it,” Trump said.
FIRST ON FOX: Police have arrested a suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus earlier this week, according to President Donald Trump.
“I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody,” Trump announced Friday on “Fox & Friends.”
“Everyone did a great job. We worked with the local police, the governor, everybody did a great job,” Trump added.
Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was sitting under a tent around 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, debating with students on hot-button current affairs issues, when a single shot rang out.
Video from the scene shows him struck in the neck before he slumped out of his chair. He had been invited to speak at Utah Valley University by the campus chapter of Turning Point USA, a national conservative student group he founded.
The gun recovered by authorities in the assassination of Charlie Kirk was a bolt-action rifle — a common hunting weapon valued for its reliability but limited to a single shot before reloading.
Unlike a semiautomatic, the shooter must manually operate the bolt handle to cycle the weapon: lifting and pulling it back moves the spent cartridge, while pushing it forward chambers a new round from the magazine. Lowering the bolt locks the round and seals the chamber, making the rifle ready to fire again — a simple, durable design that has kept it popular among hunters and target shooters.
“This process limits the rate of fire, you can only take one shot at a time,” explained retired Marine Lt. Col. Hal Kempfer in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Kempfer noted that with a bolt-action rifle,
the spent cartridge often remains in the chamber rather than being ejected, meaning shooters don’t leave behind shell casings or “brass” that investigators can use for forensics.
“That’s just one of those things where you, if you’ve thought it through, you know that you can’t leave any forensic evidence for investigators to work with,” he said.
FIRST ON FOX: DHS and Secretary Kristi Noem are placing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employee on administrative leave after a data analyst complained that flags were flying at half-mast in memory of Charlie Kirk, referring to the conservative activist as a “racist homophobe misogynist.”
Sources at DHS confirmed to Fox News Digital that Gavin Sylvia, who has been with FEMA since November 2024, questioned President Donald Trump’s order to have American flags flown at half-mast in memory of Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in Utah during an event on Wednesday.
“Half mast for the literal racist homophobe misogynist,” Sylvia questioned on Instagram.
“This employee’s words are revolting and unconscionable,” a spokesperson for FEMA told Fox News Digital. “Celebrating the death of a fellow American is appalling, unacceptable and sickening.”
“Such behavior does not reflect the values of public service, and it will not be tolerated among individuals entrusted to work at FEMA,” the spokesperson continued. “We expect all public servants to uphold the highest standard of professionalism, respect and integrity.”
DHS confirmed to Fox News Digital that Sylvia has officially been placed on administrative leave.
Turning Point USA has released a powerful tribute video to its founder, Charlie Kirk, honoring his life and legacy following his tragic death on Wednesday.
The video, titled “A Life of Faith, A Legacy That Endures: Remembering Charlie Kirk,” highlights some of his most influential moments and quotes throughout his career in the public sphere.
“This is not a flash-in-the-pan movement. We’re going to become an institution, to give them the power and confidence and let their voice be heard,” a young Kirk is seen saying at a time when Turning Point USA was active in 15 locations. Today, the group says it has a presence on about 3,500 college and high school campuses across all 50 states.
FOX NEWS PERSONALITIES OFFER EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES TO CHARLIE KIRK: ‘HE LOVED AMERICA SO MUCH’
Kirk often spoke openly about the role his Christian faith played in shaping his work and message, and the video leans heavily on that theme.
“We as Christians are called to go into the public arena to correct error with truth, so I go to college campuses and there are a lot of error,” Kirk says in the video.
“We are all sinners, we all live in error. I’m far more interested in what God wants of me than what I want from God.”
The video also shows emotional moments between Kirk and his wife, Erika, as she expresses her love and pride in him, as well as a clip of his daughter running into his arms after an appearance on “Fox & Friends.”
It also includes President Donald Trump praising Kirk’s accomplishments.
“The media said that Turning Point could never run a ground game, they weren’t experienced,” Trump says at a Turning Point event. “They didn’t know Charlie right.”
The tribute ends with Kirk reflecting on how he wanted to be remembered.
“I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing,” he says.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said he is aware of reports that some U.S. military personnel and Department of War civilians may have celebrated or mocked Charlie Kirk’s assassination online.
“We are tracking all these very closely — and will address, immediately,” Hegseth posted on X Thursday evening. “Completely unacceptable.”
Hegseth made the comments while reposting a statement by Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesperson and senior advisor to the secretary of war.
“It is unacceptable for military personnel and Department of War civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American,” Parnell wrote. “The Department of War has zero tolerance for it.”
Parnell did not refer to any accounts or posts in particular but said the department will investigate any such behavior and take action if needed.
On the heels of the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk, a dozen House Republicans signed a letter calling on House Speaker Mike Johnson to direct that a statue of the late political figure be placed in the U.S. Capitol.
A letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., which Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., shared in a post on X, declared, “we call upon you to direct that a statue of Charlie Kirk be placed in the United States Capitol. This is not a symbolic gesture, but a permanent testament to his life’s work, his courage, and his sacrifice. It will stand as a reminder that political disagreement must never be answered with violence, and that the fight for truth must carry on.”
In her post,
Luna said she owes her “entire political career to Charlie Kirk,” noting, “I would quite literally not be in office today if it weren’t for him. Even when my own party was working against me, Charlie endorsed me and campaigned to help me win election.”
In addition to Luna, the other letter signers include GOP Reps. Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, Andy Ogles of Tennessee, Byron Donalds of Florida, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Mary Miller of Illinois, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Michael Rulli of Ohio, Dan Newhouse of Washington, Jefferson Van Drew of New Jersey, Barry Moore of Alabama and Pat Fallon of Texas.
A new video showing the suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk was released Thursday.
The video, narrated by Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason during a Thursday night press conference, shows the suspect running across the roof of a building on the Utah Valley University campus and jumping onto the ground.
Images were released earlier showing him wearing a shirt with an American flag with an eagle.
The suspect remains unidentified. Authorities were asking the public to contact law enforcement with any tips.
Who is Tyler Robinson? What we know about Charlie Kirk’s suspected assassin
WASHINGTON, Utah – Tyler Robinson, 22, has been identified as the suspect in Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination on a Utah college campus.
“We got him on the evening of Sept. 11,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced in a Friday morning news briefing.
“A family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend who contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident.”
TIMELINE OF CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION
Background and upbringing
Since-deleted Facebook posts, viewed by Fox News Digital, paint a picture of Robinson’s life in Washington County, Utah, filled with family milestones, birthdays and school achievements.
Steven Dunham, director of communications for the Washington County School District, confirmed to Fox News Digital that Robinson was a student in the district from 2008 to May 2021, attending Pine View Middle School and Pine View High School.
By 2021, Robinson was shown moving into Utah State University (USU), with photos outside the Richard and Moonyeen Anderson Engineering Building.
In a statement to Fox News from USU, the public university said: “Utah State University confirms that Tyler Robinson, the suspect arrested in the killing of Charlie Kirk, briefly attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021.”
“We can also confirm that he was a pre-engineering major and took classes consistent with that major for his one semester,” the school added.
PERSON OF INTEREST IN CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION PICTURED IN PHOTOS RELEASED BY FBI
USU spokesperson Amanda DeRito told Fox News Digital that Robinson was awarded the school’s Resident Presidential Scholarship, its highest scholarship. She said Robinson had no disciplinary record during his time at the university. According to USU, the scholarship is reserved for top academic achievers.
At the time of his arrest, Robinson was a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College. In a statement, the Utah Board of Higher Education said that he is a “third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College. He briefly attended Utah State University (one semester in 2021) and received concurrent enrollment credit through Utah Tech University while in high school (2019-2021).”
Investigation and arrest
At a news conference, Cox outlined the timeline leading to Robinson’s arrest.
The information was passed to the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, investigators at Utah Valley University (UVU) and the FBI.
Surveillance and identification
Investigators said surveillance video showed Robinson arriving at UVU in a gray Dodge Challenger around 8:29 a.m. on Sept. 10, shortly before the shooting. A family member later confirmed to authorities that Robinson owned a vehicle matching that description.
“He is observed on video in a plain maroon T-shirt, light colored shorts, a black hat with a white logo and light colored shoes,” Cox said.
Fox News Digital captured a gray Dodge Challenger parked in the driveway of Robinson’s family home in Washington, Utah.
Witness statements
Family members told investigators Robinson had “become more political in recent years.”
“The family member referenced a recent incident in which Robinson came to dinner prior to Sept. 10,” Cox said. “In that conversation, Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to UVU. They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had.”
Investigators also spoke with Robinson’s roommate.
“Investigators interviewed that roommate who stated that his roommate, referring to Robinson, made a joke on Discord,” Cox explained. “The content of these messages included… a need to retrieve a rifle from a drop point… messages related to visually watching the area where a rifle was left… engraving bullets… and a message referring to having left the rifle wrapped in a towel.”
Weapon recovered
The investigation led to the recovery of a rifle north of UVU’s Campus Drive Road, where authorities found a rifle wrapped in a “dark-colored towel.”
“The rifle was determined to be a Mauser Model 98 .30-06 caliber bolt action rifle,” Cox said. “The rifle had a scope mounted on top of it. Investigators noted inscriptions that had been engraved on casings found with the rifle.”
Governor: Robinson family ‘did the right thing’
Cox credited law enforcement and the public with swiftly closing in on Robinson.
“We are indebted to law enforcement across the state,” he said. “We’re grateful for everyone who worked together in such a short amount of time to find this person and to bring justice.”
WATCH: Utah governor details arrest of Tyler Robinson for Charlie Kirk’s murder
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CHARLIE KIRK
The Republican governor thanked Robinson’s family members for doing the “right thing.”
“I want to thank the public who has been so engaged reviewing videos, helping us with sending in tips and helping us get to this point,” Cox said. “I want to thank the family members of Tyler Robinson who did the right thing in this case and were able to bring him in to law enforcement as well.”
Cox also offered condolences to Kirk’s loved ones, saying: “I especially want to thank the family of Charlie Kirk — Erika, Charlie’s parents, his two young children.
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“This is a very sad day for our country, a terrible day for the state of Utah,” Cox said. “But I’m grateful that at this moment, we have an opportunity to bring closure to this very dark chapter in our nation’s history.”
Country star leads tribute to late Charlie Kirk while waving American flag at concert
Country singer Gavin Adcock ended his concert in an uproar, chanting “Charlie Kirk,” honoring the activist after he was assassinated Wednesday.
Adcock performed at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri, and concluded his show by acknowledging Kirk. The singer shared a video of the final moments of his Thursday night show on Instagram.
He led the crowd with a chant, shouting “Charlie Kirk,” while holding up an American flag. Adcock was shirtless, wearing only a cowboy hat and a pair of jeans, while leading the crowd.
CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, JOSH DUHAMEL, JILLIAN MICHAELS DENOUNCE POLITICAL VIOLENCE
He then waved the flag while the crowd led the chant.
“Jesus loves every single one of you in this place tonight. Charlie Kirk’s with Jesus. I want ya’ll to say some thoughts and prayers tonight before you go to sleep. When you lay down by yourself or by your loved one, say some prayers for somebody that needs it. I appreciate every single one of ya’ll. I hope you have a safe trip home,” he said before ending his show.
“Jesus loves every single one of you in this place tonight. Charlie Kirk’s with Jesus.”
He captioned the video, shared to Instagram on Friday, writing, “I didn’t get the privilege of meeting Charlie Kirk, but anybody that loves Jesus is a friend of mine.
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“His outspoken beliefs were not silenced 2 days ago. His voice is now stronger than ever and will make an impact for centuries. There is not a thing in the world you can say to make this better, but my thoughts and prayers go out to every single person that is hurting from this horrible tragedy.
“Always stand up for what you believe. The truth is rare nowadays.”
“His outspoken beliefs were not silenced 2 days ago. His voice is now stronger than ever and will make an impact for centuries.”
Adcock included the Bible verse Psalms 97:10, “You who love the LORD, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Adcock’s representative for additional comment.
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Kirk, who was killed Wednesday during a speaking engagement in Orem, Utah, was a well-known conservative activist.
Friday morning, Trump announced during a live appearance on “Fox & Friends” that an arrest was made in Kirk’s murder.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm and obstruction of justice charges, according to a court affidavit. A judge ordered that he be held without bail. Formal charges are expected early next week.
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Cruel school official justifies Charlie Kirk’s murder as ‘fair,’ mocks those praying for him
FIRST ON FOX: An assistant campus director at George Washington University took to social media shortly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk and said it is “fair” that Kirk was gunned down due to his support of gun ownership and the Second Amendment.
“If nothing else, it is fair, in a nation where children get massacred by gun violence on the regular, the people who advocate for continued gun ownership at the expense of those children are not immune from the consequences of their advocacy,” Anthony Pohorilak, Assistant Director of Academic Initiatives at George Washington University’s Mount Vernon Campus, posted on his personal Facebook after Kirk was killed.
“No thoughts no prayers,” the GWU employee added.
The Facebook post, exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital, received 37 likes and love reactions from Pohorilak’s friend group.
CHARLIE KIRK’S SUSPECTED ASSASSIN IDENTIFIED AFTER FATAL SHOOTING OF INFLUENTIAL CONSERVATIVE VOICE IN UTAH
The George Washington University website lists Pohorilak, who uses the pronouns “He/Him” in his bio, as working for the Campus Living & Residential Education department.
“The George Washington University unequivocally condemns all forms of violence,” a university spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement.
“As a university with one of the most politically engaged campus communities in the country, we believe everyone is entitled to their beliefs, and no one should ever be subject to violence for expressing their views. This individual employee is not authorized to speak on behalf of GW, and his opinions do not reflect those of the university.”
PENTAGON ANNOUNCES ‘ZERO TOLERANCE’ FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL MOCKING CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION
Following news of Kirk’s death, social media has been littered with examples of individuals celebrating or justifying the assassination, some of which have resulted in termination.
The NFL’s Carolina Panthers fired a member of the team’s communications department this week after a social media post from the employee appeared to show him questioning why people were sad that Kirk had been shot and killed. The song “Protect Ya Neck” from the Wu-Tang Clan was also shared.
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After Kirk was shot Wednesday afternoon, MSNBC’s Matthew Dowd suggested it was caused by a chain reaction from his “hateful words” against various groups. Kirk, a leading conservative activist and top ally of President Donald Trump, later died at the age of 31.
Dowd was later fired from the network, and an apology was issued.
Several examples have come from academia, including at the University of Mississippi, where a staff member was terminated after making insensitive remarks on social media, Mississippi Today reported.
At Middle Tennessee State University, a dean was fired after saying she has “zero sympathy” for Kirk, USA Today reported.
Popular BBQ restaurant loses partnerships after co-owner’s vile post about Charlie Kirk
A popular Ohio barbecue restaurant is facing major backlash after one of its co-owners called conservative activist Charlie Kirk a “piece of s—” in a social media post after his assassination.
Shortly after Kirk, 31, was shot Wednesday while speaking at a campus event in Utah, Aaron Sharpe, co-owner of Lucius Q in Cincinnati, commented on a Facebook post from someone offering prayers for the husband and father of two.
“Good riddance,” Sharpe wrote in a post that is no longer publicly visible but has been circulated widely online in screenshots. “What a piece of s—,” he added.
MEMPHIS BARBECUE JOINT IN ‘RESILIENT CITY’ HOPES FOR ‘CONSTRUCTIVE’ NATIONAL GUARD PRESENCE
On Wednesday evening, Sharpe doubled down on Facebook, posting, “Don’t you dare come at me with your hypocrisy. … If you think that threats of social media attacks on me or my business will in any way keep me silent about what I believe, you are sorely mistaken.”
Many of his social media posts expressed criticism of President Donald Trump, who was an ally of Kirk. A 22-year-old suspect in Kirk’s assassination has been arrested, law enforcement officials said Friday.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Sharpe for comment. By late Friday morning, his Facebook account appeared to be deactivated.
On Thursday, several of Lucius Q’s business partners announced they had cut ties with the restaurant. Lucius Q later announced it had parted ways with Sharpe.
WORLD-CLASS BARBECUE CHEF SHARES 5 ‘GAME-CHANGING’ SUMMER SIDE DISHES ANYONE CAN MAKE
Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, home to Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati and is a former Lucius Q vendor site, took to social media saying it had terminated its relationship with the restaurant.
“FC Cincinnati and TQL Stadium expect our vendors and partners to uphold the values of respect and tolerance that are core to our club’s identity,” the stadium said in its statement.
In addition to its flagship location in Cincinnati’s Pendleton neighborhood, Lucius Q also operates inside the Gatherall food hall at the Factory 52 development in Norwood. The venues said in statements that they are taking the matter “very seriously” and are reviewing “all legal options.”
Lucius Q’s longtime meat supplier, Avril Bleh Meat Market, also announced that it has ended its relationship with the barbecue restaurant.
BEST BBQ SPOTS IN THE AMERICAN SOUTH AS NEW MUSEUM DEBUTS
“We never condone violence of any sort,” the family-owned butcher said on Facebook. “For this reason, we have decided to sever our relationship with Lucius Q BBQ.”
Steve Bleh, one of the sons in the family business, wrote in a separate post, “The family has decided we do not want to be involved with Lucius Q. No amount of money will ever be worth it.”
Following the fallout with its partners, Lucius Q announced that Sharpe was “no longer associated with the business.”
“We found the comments he made on his personal social media pages offensive and, as a result, have severed ties with him,” a post on the company’s Facebook page read.
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Critics were quick to push back, however.
“You can’t get rid of a partial owner that fast,” one man commented on Facebook.
“Too late,” several others said.
In a separate post Friday afternoon, Lucius Q said it had successfully removed Sharpe from the business after his “abominable comments.”
“While it is a difficult process to remove a minority owner from a partnership, the point is this person is no longer involved with Lucius Q in any way, shape or form,” the group told Fox News Digital in an email. “The rest is just legal details.”
Lucius Q apologized for Sharpe’s remarks and said the comments “do not reflect the feelings of the current owners, investors, management or our incredible staff.”
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“As husbands, fathers, wives and mothers ourselves, we’d like to personally apologize to the family of Charlie Kirk. We take our commitment to the city of Cincinnati seriously and look forward to earning back its business.”
“We’d like to personally apologize to the family of Charlie Kirk.”
Backlash has continued to mount, with more than 4,000 people slamming Sharpe on the restaurant’s X account and posting dozens of one-star reviews on Lucius Q’s Google reviews page.
Though the restaurant described him as a “minority owner,” a 2019 article from Northern Kentucky University described how Sharpe began looking for a side business while working as a station manager for WNKU, a Cincinnati radio station.
He and friend Jeff Keate later tapped Shane Spears to help launch Lucius Q in 2018.
The restaurant was featured in a 2020 episode of celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”
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A now-deleted LinkedIn profile apparently belonging to Sharpe described him as a “communicator” and “community builder.”
His Facebook profile also said he previously worked as a disc jockey and announcer for the Cincinnati Reds. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Reds for comment.
Team USA responds after trans Olympian celebrated Charlie Kirk assassination
USA Cycling has provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing social media posts by transgender athlete Chelsea Wolfe, an alternate in BMX for the U.S. at the Tokyo Olympics, celebrating Charlie Kirk’s assassination this week.
“The views of current and former national team athletes are their own and do not reflect those of USA Cycling. Chelsea Wolfe has not been a member of the USA Cycling National Team or a member of USA Cycling since 2023,” the statement read.
Wolfe’s social media statements, made via Instagram story, included a reshare of news of Kirk’s assassination with an animated caption that read “We did it!” and a selfie with a caption that suggested Kirk was a “Nazi.”
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“Being a Nazi is completely optional btw. He didn’t have to do all that, but he did and now he’s dead. Don’t live your life in a way that the world is better following your death,” Wolfe wrote.
Wolfe has since been the subject of backlash on social media. Women’s tennis legend and known liberal Martina Navratilova and conservative influencer Riley Gaines have been among those to criticize Wolfe publicly.
Wolfe appeared to acknowledge the backlash in a post on Thursday night, sharing a meme with the caption that read, “Your boos mean nothing. I’ve seen what makes you cheer.”
Wolfe previously said in a March 2020 Facebook post that the athlete hoped to “burn the American flag” at the Tokyo Olympics.
“My goal is to win the Olympics so I can burn a U.S. flag on the podium. This is what they focus on during a pandemic. Hurting trans children,” Wolfe wrote on Facebook on March 25, 2020.
WHAT IS A BOLT ACTION RIFLE? WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE GUN USED TO KILL CHARLIE KIRK
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) previously employed a gender eligibility policy that allowed biological males to compete in the women’s category at the time of Wolfe’s status as an Olympic alternate in 2021.
The USOPC changed its athlete safety policy in July to suggest it will comply with President Donald Trump’s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order.
USA Cycling released an updated policy earlier in September, restricting competitors in the women’s category to females, which says, “Female means a person belonging, at conception, to the sex that produces the large reproductive cell.”
Law enforcement officials worked frantically in the aftermath of Kirk’s death to track down and arrest the suspect, who they announced Friday was Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah man, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed Friday.
The rifle that federal investigators believe was used in the shooting contained ammunition inscribed with anti-fascist messaging, shedding light on the suspect’s motive. One used casing and three unused casings contained the writings, Cox said.
FBI Director Kash Patel laid out the timeline of the investigation Friday, saying it took the FBI and Utah law enforcement 33 hours to make an arrest. Patel said authorities made “historic progress” in such a short duration of time.
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Cox on Friday called the shooting a “political assassination.”
Major Dem donors snub Biden’s library plans as one demands ‘$800,000 refund’
Former President Joe Biden’s new effort to raise money for a presidential library is struggling to attract Democrat donors, according to a report.
More than half a dozen people who were once major Biden donors or fundraisers spoke to NBC News. Most said they have no animosity toward the former president, but they either would not give to the library or would only give a limited amount.
The donors pointed to several factors, including not wanting to make themselves a target of the Trump administration and reserving their money for the Democratic Party’s future. Some of them said they had personal interactions with Biden’s inner circle that were so unpleasant they believed it would be difficult to ever raise significant funds for the former president.
“I’d like him to have some nice library,” one donor told NBC News. “I just don’t see that’s where I’m going to spend my money.”
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Another donor said “no way” when asked by the outlet about giving to the library.
Biden also faces residual frustration from the party over his decision to initially seek re-election despite health issues that ultimately led to him dropping out of the race last summer after his highly scrutinized mental acuity was put on display during a presidential debate against Donald Trump. Former Vice President Kamala Harris then quickly secured the party’s nomination before losing to Trump in November.
“I want an $800,000 refund,” personal injury lawyer John Morgan told NBC News, referring to money he said he raised for Biden that went to Harris last year.
“I don’t believe a library will ever be built unless it’s a bookmobile from the old days,” Morgan joked.
Susie Buell, a major donor to the party, told the outlet nobody had asked for her donation but that she is “not inclined to give to libraries.”
The chairman of the library board, Rufus Gifford, who led fundraising for Biden’s re-election campaign and was finance director for former President Barack Obama, expressed optimism that donors will want to contribute.
“Those of us who have been around for a while and love the guy but also understand the full picture want to see what we can do to protect and promote his legacy,” Gifford told NBC News. “This isn’t about the past. It’s about the future.”
One person familiar with the Biden team’s plans said the project seeks between $200 million and $300 million.
By comparison, the Obama Presidential Library set to open in Chicago in the spring cost $850 million. President Donald Trump has also raised millions of dollars for a future library, and the luxury jet gifted to the U.S. government by the Qatari royal family will later be transferred to a Trump library foundation — both moves scrutinized by Democrats.
“It is my opinion no significant building will be built,” Morgan said, adding that Biden’s age and medical issues could mean the former president might not be much help in raising money for the library.
“Couple that with the perception that [the party’s] woes rest with his decision to seek a second term, and we have the Hindenburg heading straight towards us.”
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Donors often complained about a lack of access to Biden when he was in office, saying they were asked to write checks but then could not get a phone call returned.
People who frequently interact with major Democratic donors say other potential obstacles include the threat of becoming a target of Trump.
“This is a very difficult time to raise large checks for Democrats because of how vindictive Donald Trump is,” Democratic National Committee Fundraising Chair Chris Korge told NBC News, citing conversations with donors.
Korge also said he had personally called on Biden and his team to focus on raising money for a library and to put aside plans for a second term.
Judge upholds Trump admin’s controversial migrant arrest policy
A federal judge ruled on Friday ICE agents can continue making courthouse arrests in New York City, shutting down a challenge brought by the ACLU and immigrant rights groups.
District Judge P. Kevin Castel, a George W. Bush appointee, found there was not enough evidence to suggest that ICE’s courthouse arrest policy changes were “unexplained, arbitrary and capricious” after 2021 guidance allowed arrests at or near immigration courts.
Noting the 2025 guidance is more “expansive and permissive,” Castel acknowledged ICE made the changes because local correctional facilities and prisons, which are considered “safe” locations due to security screenings, are not available due to state and local policies regarding immigration detainers.
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However, the judge did block a Department of Justice policy encouraging immigration judges to dismiss cases so ICE could immediately arrest migrants.
The Trump administration in June launched an initiative to arrest illegal immigrants after asylum hearings.
The tactic stirred controversy, with critics claiming migrants seeking legal citizenship would be less likely to show up to hearings, and those who are arrested after hearings may not have additional criminal histories.
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Videos of the arrests went viral on social media, with some going so far as accusing ICE of “kidnapping” migrants.
“In its fervor to expel as many immigrants as possible from the country, the Trump administration is targeting immigrants in the very place set up to adjudicate their status: immigration court,” Diana Konaté, deputy executive director of Policy and Advocacy at African Communities Together, wrote in a statement published by the ACLU.
“Every day, our members are forced to choose between being kidnapped and/or put into expedited removal or risking deeper legal consequences because they’re too scared to go to court.
“This is exactly what the administration intended — for people to be so fearful of enforcement that they forfeit the very resources and systems in place to protect them. We’re bringing this lawsuit on behalf of our members and fighting for justice.”
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Some judges have fought back against the policy, allegedly aiding migrants’ escape after hearings.
Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan was indicted in May on federal charges after she allegedly told an illegal immigrant to leave through a private exit at the Milwaukee County Courthouse as ICE officials were serving a warrant for his arrest.
Air Force’s new nuclear-capable bomber takes flight as Pentagon races against China
A second B-21 Raider bomber has flown for the first time in California, the Air Force announced Thursday, a milestone officials say will accelerate testing of America’s first new long-range bomber in more than three decades.
“With the arrival of the second B-21 Raider, our flight test campaign gains substantial momentum,” Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said in a statement. He added the service can now begin integrating weapons and mission systems into the bomber. Until now, flight testing has been limited mainly to performance checks.
The B-21, built by Northrop Grumman, is the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft and will be capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional weapons. Its stealth design is intended to penetrate deep into enemy territory and operate against increasingly advanced air defenses being fielded by China, Russia and other adversaries.
The new bomber follows in the lineage of the Cold War-era B-52 Stratofortress, the supersonic B-1 Lancer and the radar-evading B-2 Spirit.
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Unlike the B-2, which cost roughly $2 billion per plane and was ultimately limited to a fleet of 21, the B-21 has been designed with a lower price tag of about $800 million per aircraft and with an open systems architecture to allow for easier technological upgrades.
The B-2, still in service, recently flew combat missions during U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June.
Air Force leaders have said the service plans to buy at least 100 B-21s, which will operate alongside a fleet of 76 modernized B-52 Stratofortress aircraft well into the future. Together, the two aircraft will form the backbone of America’s bomber force, providing both long-range strike and nuclear deterrence capabilities as part of the U.S. nuclear triad.
The program is being closely watched in Washington after past aircraft programs, such as the F-35 fighter jet and KC-46 tanker, included significant delays and cost overruns.
Officials have kept most details about the B-21 classified, including the schedule for reaching initial operational capability, though the Air Force has said it expects the bomber to enter service in the early 2030s.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin said the addition of a second test aircraft is a positive step toward that goal.
“The addition of a second B-21 to the flight test program accelerates the path to fielding,” Allvin said. “By having more assets in the test environment, we bring this capability to our warfighters faster, demonstrating the urgency with which we’re tackling modernization.”
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The B-21 program, which began in the early 2010s under what was then known as the Long Range Strike Bomber initiative, has been described by Pentagon leaders as essential to maintaining U.S. military advantage.
Officials have said the aircraft’s range and stealth will give commanders more options in the Indo-Pacific, where long distances and growing Chinese missile threats challenge traditional forward bases.
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Northrop Grumman leads the program with a network of suppliers across the country, supporting thousands of jobs. The company unveiled the aircraft publicly in December 2022 at its Palmdale, California, factory, though most of its capabilities remain highly classified. Only a handful of images have been released, showing a sleek flying-wing design reminiscent of the B-2 but built with updated materials and engineering.
With testing now expanding, the Pentagon is hoping to avoid delays and deliver the bomber on time and on budget. Officials stress that the B-21 will provide the United States with a critical edge for decades to come in both conventional strike missions and nuclear deterrence.