Donald Trump has called for flags across the country to be flown at half mast in the wake of controversial alt-right figure Charlie Kirk‘s death. Kirk was shot in the neck at an event in Utah Valley University yesterday.
The 31-year-old was notorious for sharing his incendiary opinions online as he frequently spouted right-wing rhetoric and was an outspoken ally of President Donald Trump. Footage of the gruesome incident has already found its way online and it shows Kirk speaking into a microphone at an event on the campus. A shot can be heard and Kirk is seen leaning backwards and reaching up with his hand as blood spills from his neck down his shirt at an alarming rate.
Donald Trump pays tribute to Charlie Kirk
News initially reported that Kirk was in a critical condition although it was not clear whether or not he would pull through. It was Trump who broke the news via Truth Social, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead.” The president wrote, “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me and now, he is no longer with us.” Trump went on to give his sympathies to Kirk’s wife and family ending his statement with, “Charlie, we love you!”
The president later followed up his post with another, ordering that flags be flown at half mast “in honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly great American patriot.” The flags are expected to remain at half mast until Sunday 6 PM.
But not everyone felt the same as the president. While Kirk’s death is tragic, many online have not felt the urge to express their sympathies. Unfortunately his position on gun control and his controversial views have turned a lot of people away from him and while they may not have wished death upon him, they certainly aren’t mourning him.
The president’s hypocrisy is on show yet again
On X, some pointed out that political figures on the right were silent when two Democrat politicians in Minnesota were shot in June of this year and that Kirk’s shooting is no different. As a matter of fact, Donald Trump actually told reporters that calling Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, to convey his respect for them would have been a “waste of time.”
Clearly the president doesn’t care about shootings unless it happens to one of his allies.
Meanwhile, others condemned the murder but refused Trump’s order to lower the flags. “No one should have murdered Charlie Kirk. No one should lower their flag for Charlie Kirk.” Wrote one person, while another added, “Save your sympathies for the innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of MAGA’s violent political messaging machine.”
Kirk had previously stated that gun deaths are “unfortunately” worth keeping the second amendment.
Violence is not the answer
But that isn’t to take away or trivialize what happened to Kirk yesterday. While many may have disagreed with Kirk on many topics, most condemned the violence committed against him. He may have expressed some outdated opinions but the general consensus was that Kirk did not deserve to die in such a painful and traumatic way.
Kirk is leaves behind his wife Erica Frantz and two children.
Published: Sep 11, 2025 10:40 am