'Deeply saddened': Kai Trump mourns death of ‘close family friend’ Charlie Kirk

OREM, UTAH: Kai Trump, granddaughter of President Donald Trump, shared her response to the horrific shooting death of her "close family friend" Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, September 10.

Kirk was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at a packed event at Utah Valley University. Video footage from the scene captured the moment he was struck as he addressed the crowd about gang violence from beneath a white pop-up tent during his America Comeback Tour appearance.

Trump’s granddaughter Kai is saddened by Charlie Kirk’s death

Kai Trump expressed heartbreak over the death of Charlie Kirk, whom she described as a “close family friend.”

In a somber Instagram story set against a black background, Kai wrote, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news about Charlie Kirk.”

She continued, “My heart goes out to his wife Erika and their two children. He was a close family friend and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this tragic time. Rest in peace Charlie."

President Donald Trump also shared his grief in a Truth Social post at 4:40 pm ET on September, calling Kirk "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk."

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

Sports world mourns the death of Charlie Kirk

Prominent figures across the sports world are mourning the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, including former NFL quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Brett Favre.

“I’m shocked and devastated to learn about the passing of Charlie Kirk,” Tebow wrote in a post on X. “Above all else, Charlie was a follower of Jesus, a husband, and a dad. He was a man of passion, courage, and devoted his life to make an eternal impact. Demi and I are praying for Erika, his two children, and everyone who loved him."

Brett Favre echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m at a loss for words. Only thing I can think of is tragic. Please keep Charlie Kirk and his family in your prayers.”

Other sports stars also paid tribute, including former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman and World Series champion Mark Teixeira, who recently announced his run for Congress. Both shared their condolences and prayers online.

Charlie Kirk was a conservative media personality and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization that promotes conservative values among young Americans. He had been scheduled to appear later this month at Utah State University.

Ellen Treanor, Associate Vice President for Strategic Communication Management at Utah Valley University, confirmed to Fox News that the shooting took place around 12:20 pm local time. In response, the university issued a campus-wide alert: “A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now.”