Karoline Leavitt mourns Charlie Kirk as she hails him for 'positively changing course of American history'

OREM, UTAH: White House Press Secretary and former congressional candidate Karoline Leavitt took to X to express her grief following the tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. 

In her emotional post, she recalled how Kirk had been an early supporter of her political career.

Karoline Leavitt pays tribute to Charlie Kirk after his assassination

Leavitt shared an emotional message in the hours following Kirk’s death.

Recalling his early support during her own political journey, she wrote on X: “When I ran for Congress at 23 years old, Charlie Kirk was one of the first people to believe in me and endorse my grassroots campaign,” she wrote. “That’s because Charlie Kirk believed in the potential and promise of young people across our country, and he inspired millions of them to get involved in politics and fight for our nation’s conservative values.”

She added, “Charlie positively changed the course of American history, and his legacy will live on.” Leavitt also prayed for Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two children, hoping they find comfort in their faith, quoting John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

Charlie Kirk shot dead at Utah college event

President Donald Trump, who had long embraced Kirk as a rising conservative voice, announced the news on Truth Social:

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”

Before Kirk’s death was confirmed, Trump had also urged prayers for him following reports of the shooting.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that agents were on the ground in Utah, working with local law enforcement to investigate the attack.

“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation,” Patel wrote on X.

Kirk’s death marks a significant loss for the conservative movement, where he was widely recognized as a charismatic figure and mentor for young activists.

Donald Trump Jr mourns Charlie Kirk’s death

Donald Trump Jr, longtime friend of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, shared his grief on X following Kirk’s assassination, describing the loss as “absolutely devastating.” 

“I don’t even know how to begin to put into words the loss I am feeling right now over the assassination of Charlie Kirk,” Trump Jr wrote. “Charlie wasn’t just a friend — he was like a little brother to me — and to millions of people around the world — he was a true inspiration.”

“We’ve lost a leader, a fighter, and a man whose character and conviction were rare. Too rare. To think that his life was cut short by a brutal, heinous, evil act is beyond comprehension. It is horrible and it is heartbreaking,” he said, highlighting the grief of Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their children.

Utah Valley University President Astrid S Tuminez also issued a statement expressing sorrow and solidarity with the campus community. “We express our sincere condolences to the Kirk family. We grieve with our students, faculty, and staff who bore witness to this unspeakable tragedy,” she said, reflecting the shock and mourning shared across the university.