January 1, Celebrities Unite After Charlie Kirk’s Murder

Wyatt’s Take

• Charlie Kirk’s killing has shocked the country and ended a young life much too soon.
• Famous voices across Hollywood and America are speaking up, demanding an end to political violence.
• Leaders and everyday folks alike are looking for answers and unity in a time of loss.

Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a speaking event in Orem, Utah. His death has sparked a wave of reaction from celebrities who say violence can never be justified, no matter the political differences.

“My heart is with Charlie Kirk’s family, and with the United States,” Arnold Schwarzenegger shared on social media. “Politics has become a disease in this country, and it’s deadly. But don’t listen to the pessimists who say there is no cure. There is a cure. It is inside of us. We must find our better angels and walk back from the extremes. If we can’t agree on anything else, we must find agreement that we don’t solve our debates with violence.

This is a horrible tragedy. May it also be a moment for everyone to rediscover their humanity.”

Actor Josh Duhamel posted a picture of Kirk with his wife and children, reminding folks Kirk was a husband and father, and calling for prayers to stop this “madness.” Jillian Michaels said on social media that despite not seeing eye-to-eye with Kirk on every issue, she was welcomed by him and that “The hatred that has seeped into our culture must stop. If we give in to this anger, if we allow hate to breed hate, we lose not only lives but our very humanity. We have got to reject this darkness — in our media, in our politics, and within ourselves.”

“Let’s take the pain of this loss as a solemn call to ensure it never happens again,” Michaels wrote, urging leaders from both sides to choose empathy and unity for the good of future generations.

Melissa Gilbert, known for “Little House on the Prairie,” wrote, “I’ve never agreed with Mr. Kirk but I do believe in his (and everyone’s) right to express himself without the fear of being shot.” Maria Shriver said, “We should all condemn political violence. A young life cut down. A young family left to pick up the pieces. This is not just a tragedy for his family. This is a tragedy for our country. No matter where you are on political spectrum. This is something we can all condemn. This is a moment to stop, reflect, and reassess. Gun violence must be stopped. None of us are safe.”

Other notable voices like Rosie O’Donnell called Kirk’s murder “wrong on every level,” while Jana Kramer insisted that differences in opinion never justifies violence or murder. Police arrested a suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, who faces charges including aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious harm.

Americans everywhere are looking for leaders to set the tone and for ordinary citizens to come together and heal.

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Wyatt Matters

Folks in the heartland know that violence is never the answer, and losing another American to hate leaves a hole in every community. Now is the time to stand together, protect each other’s rights, and demand a better path forward for our kids and country.