Before Thursday night’s game between the Washington Commanders and the Green Bay Packers, a moment of silence was held at Lambeau Field in the wake of Wednesday’s shooting that killed Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He was a right-wing political activist who founded Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization with more than 850 chapters across college campuses. Kirk was also a friend and supporter of President Donald Trump.
The FBI released photos of an unidentified potential suspect on Thursday as a manhunt continued, but no arrests have been made in connection with Kirk’s killing.
Kirk’s assassination came nearly two months after two Democratic lawmakers were shot in a politically motivated attack in Minnesota. State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in the June 14 incident, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were both wounded. Vance Boelter, 57, was later arrested and is awaiting trial on various state and federal charges, including murder.
About 25 minutes before kickoff, the in-stadium public address announcer said: “The National Football League asks that you please join us in a moment of silent reflection following the murder of Charlie Kirk. The NFL condemns all violence in our communities. It will take all of us to stop hate. Thank you.”
The New York Yankees honored Kirk with a moment of silence before their game against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night. His death prompted reaction from many, including notable NFL figures like New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, former New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, former quarterback Tim Tebow, former punter and current analyst Pat McAfee and others.
“Praying for him and his family. Charlie did great things for our country!! Political Violence NEEDS TO STOP!! Pray for our country man. This is disgusting and Sad!!” Dart, who was born in Utah, wrote on his Instagram.
On Thursday, the Carolina Panthers fired public relations employee Charlie Rock for a social media post he made about Kirk’s death.
“The views expressed by our employees are their own and do not represent those of the Carolina Panthers,” the team said in a statement. “We do not condone violence of any kind. We are taking this matter very seriously and have accordingly addressed it with the individual.”
(Photo: Patrick McDermott / Getty Images)