Widespread calls for prayer were issued after conservative speaker and founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, was shot at a Utah Valley University event. According to reports, Kirk was stuck in the neck before being evacuated to a nearby hospital. President Trump confirmed that 31-year-old Charlie Kirk was killed in the attack.

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” the president wrote. “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!”

President Trump ordered the flags at the White House to be flown at half mast: “In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.” 

Kirk regularly visited campuses to speak and challenge students, defending conservatism from a logical, historical, and biblical perspective. He was exceptionally influential to younger generations, defending the truth and correcting the record on many of the lies being fed to impressionable students and social media users.

According to police, six officers were present at the event, which was attended by 3,000 individuals. The shooter reportedly fired on Kirk from the roof of a building overlooking the event. The assassin remains at large. Two separate suspects were taken into custody following the shooting, both of whom have now been released.

Reaction And Prayer

Daniel Cohen, news director of the Real Life Network, addressed the assassination of Kirk, writing: “Dear Lord, let this be a TURNING POINT…turn the hearts of America to Jesus. The United States is broken.”

Cissie Graham Lynch, host of the Fearless podcast and granddaughter of Billy Graham, reacted to Kirk’s death, pointing to his heart toward the Gospel: “Charlie Kirk will be remembered as a freedom fighter. He wanted people to know how they could find eternal freedom for their souls… Charlie’s hope was not found in this dark world but in the hope he had in Jesus Christ.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement following the tragedy, noting that he had invited Kirk to Israel after speaking with him only weeks ago: “Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place. We lost an incredible human being. His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk.”

Greg Laurie, Pastor of Harvest Riverside, called for prayer for Kirk’s family and emphasized the great comfort of knowing he is with his Savior: “This is an incredible loss. Charlie was such a courageous young man. He was not only a bold and unwavering voice for biblical truth in our culture, but also a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a husband, and a family man. He will be deeply missed. As shocking as this news is, we can take comfort in knowing that Charlie is now in Heaven. The moment he took his last breath here on earth, he took his first breath in the presence of the Lord. That is the hope we hold on to as believers—eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Please join me in praying for Charlie’s wife and children during this unimaginable time. May the God of all comfort surround them with peace and strength.”

Franklin Graham, President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), also shared the hope and comfort found in Scripture: “What a tragedy. It has been announced that Charlie Kirk has died after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University today. This young man loved his country and invested his time and energy in trying to make it the best it could be. He stood boldly for conservative values and defended free speech for all of us. Most importantly, Charlie loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for his wife Erika, their two young children, and all of their family. It’s in these moments of darkness that we need to stand on the Scripture that Erika shared on social media, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1).”

Erick Stakelbeck, host of the Watchman Newscast, looked back at past interviews with Kirk: “We lost an absolute Lion today: for America, for truth, for the Gospel and for faith, family and freedom. Charlie Kirk was one of the most brilliant minds I’ve ever interviewed—an American patriot who has moved the hearts and minds of untold millions of Americans—especially Gen Z. The legacy and movement that he leaves behind will now only expand to even greater heights. His murder will galvanize the movement and raise up countless bold Lions. The Devil has badly overplayed his hand here. May Charlie’s memory always be a blessing and please lift his wife and young children up in prayer.”

This is a developing story…

Harbinger’s Press is a division of Harbinger’s Daily News Media.