Charlie Kirk. Image via: Getty Images The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has raised alarms about the surge of political violence in America. Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while addressing a campus event, sparking panic among hundreds of students and attendees. As the tragedy hit the nation, the NBA world also broke the silence. Hall of Famer Dwight Howard, ex-NBA star Patrick Beverley, and Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. shared their reactions on social media.
Hall of Famer Dwight Howard reacts to Charlie Kirk’s assassination
Hall of Famer Dwight Howard was among the first NBA figures to speak out about the tragedy. His message was short but pointed, reflecting both grief and frustration with the climate of violence.“Pray for the world, violence is never the answer!” Howard wrote on X.Howard’s words resonated across social media, where athletes and fans echoed similar sentiments. The former NBA champion has often spoken about unity and positivity, and his reaction highlighted how this incident pierced through the sports world as much as the political arena.
Patrick Beverley and Michael Porter Jr. mourn Charlie Kirk’s demise
Former Clippers guard Patrick Beverley also shared his condolences, focusing on Kirk’s family in his response.“RIP Prayer for his Family and Children !!! Damn, Sad,” Beverley posted on X, capturing the raw heartbreak many felt in the aftermath.Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. took a more personal approach. Even though he admitted he was unfamiliar with Kirk’s work, he was shaken by the footage of the shooting.
Michael Porter Jr. mourns Charlie Kirk’s demise. Image via: @mpj/Instagram
“I just saw that Charlie Kirk video…. no way bro!!!” Porter Jr. wrote on Instagram. “RIP to Charlie smh. I never watched his stuff, but nobody deserves to die like that. Man had a wife and kids. He was killed for sharing their opinions and giving others the opportunity to share theirs as well. This is sad, man… praying for the family.”
Charlie Kirk was killed while addressing a crowd at the University of Utah
Kirk was delivering remarks under a tent at Utah Valley University when the gunfire erupted. Witnesses described the horrific scene as students screamed, prayed, and rushed for safety. His wife and children were present, according to Senator Markwayne Mullins, making the event even more traumatic.Utah Governor Spencer Cox called it a “political assassination,” while President Donald Trump described the killing as a “dark moment for America.” Trump vowed to track down everyone connected to the crime, saying Kirk was “a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate.”Though authorities briefly detained suspects, no charges have been filed, and a manhunt for the shooter continues. The incident has renewed conversations about rising political violence, lax campus security, and the urgent need to prevent gun tragedies from silencing voices, no matter how controversial.Also Read: Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark receives powerful message of support from Candace Parker after injury update