‘Nobody could ever fill it’: ‘The Charlie Kirk Show’ goes live with empty chair in his honor
WASHINGTON, DC: Two days after Charlie Kirk’s death stunned the nation, his podcast returned to air.
This time, the studio set carried a powerful symbol: an empty chair in his honor.
JUST IN: The Charlie Kirk Show has gone live. Charlie's seat at the table is there - and it's empty.
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 12, 2025
An absolutely crushing scene. All of them are holding back tears.
"Charlie would've wanted us to be here. He would've been upset if we weren't here. We've left his chair open… pic.twitter.com/n1gzb5HNt7
Andrew Kolvet leads solemn tribute to Charlie Kirk
The late public speaker was killed on Wednesday at Utah Valley University, during the first leg of his "Prove Me Wrong: The American Comeback" tour.
Producer Andrew Kolvet opened Friday’s episode of 'The Charlie Kirk Show' by paying tribute to the conservative host.
“I wanted the friends of this show, and of Charlie that knew him best, the Thought Crime Crew, to be here in the studio to commemorate our friend, dear brother, for this sacred, solemn moment,” Kolvet wrote on X.
“This occasion none of us ever dreamed we would have to do. And here we are. Because Charlie would’ve wanted us to be here. He would be upset if we weren’t here,” said Kolvet.
Donald Trump confirms Charlie Kirk’s death
Charlie Kirk, who rose to prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA, built his brand by debating left-leaning students on college campuses across the country.
Kirk was engaged in a debate at Utah Valley University when a single gunshot rang out. Videos captured the moment the bullet struck Kirk’s neck, causing him to recoil in his chair.
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. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his…
— Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) September 10, 2025
President Donald Trump first requested prayers for Kirk and soon after announced that Kirk had died, describing him as "great, and even legendary."
In honor of Kirk, a "truly Great American Patriot," Trump also ordered all American flags lowered to half-mast until Sunday evening.
Tyler Robinson arrested in Charlie Kirk shooting
On the Friday that 'The Charlie Kirk Show' aired with his empty chair, authorities announced an arrest in Kirk’s killing.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox identified the suspect as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. He was turned in by his family after confessing to the killing.
Kolvet closed the broadcast by reflecting on the empty chair left in the studio.
“We of course have left his chair open and empty, because nobody will ever fill it,” Kolvet said.
“Nobody could ever hope to. But by all of us together, we want to honor him, we want to be more like him, and we want to be inspired by him,” he added.
Internet mourns Charlie Kirk with heartfelt messages
The online community reacted with sorrow after the tribute episode aired.
One user on X wrote, “That’s heartbreaking.”
Another shared, “His name must go down in history. It will."
Others reflected on the loss, with one saying, “Charlie should be here.”
A fourth comment read, “Such a sad moment :(."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online
