The tributes have not stopped pouring in on social media, including from members of the Trump family, in reaction to the horrific murder of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk Wednesday afternoon in Utah.
The FBI has arrested two suspects, then determined neither of them were the actual gunman. As of Wednesday night, a manhunt was still underway to find the shooter.
Kirk, 31, leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children, a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.
First Lady Melania Trump released the following statement on social media:
“Charlie’s children will be raised with stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should have echoed.
“Charlie Kirk’s life should serve as a symbolic reminder that compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and country.”
Charlie’s children will be raised with stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should have echoed.
Charlie Kirk’s life should serve as a symbolic reminder that compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and…
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) September 11, 2025
Donald Trump Jr., who had earlier shared his grief over Kirk’s death, posted a longer, moving tribute later Wednesday evening. Below is his full statement:
This isn’t my strong suit and I don’t even know how to begin to put into words the loss I am feeling right now over the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie wasn’t just a friend — he was like a little brother to me – and to millions of people around the world – he was a true inspiration.
He was one of the most courageous, principled men I’ve ever known, and he lived every day with purpose. His faith in God was unshakable, his love for Erika was inspiring, and the way he adored and cared for his two beautiful kids showed the kind of man he truly was.
Charlie dedicated his life to something bigger than himself. He fought tirelessly for this country, for the values that make America great, and for the next generation. The impact he had on young people — reaching them in masses, giving them courage to stand up, to think for themselves, and to fight for freedom — is immeasurable. There is no question that Charlie’s work and his voice helped my father win the presidency. He changed the direction of this nation.
Charlie was never a threat to anyone. He was civil, he was kind, he listened and responded with respect. The only “threat” he ever posed was that he was incredibly effective. He was a powerful messenger of truth, and people heard that truth. That’s what made him a target.
This loss is absolutely devastating — not only for Erika and the kids, but for our country. We’ve lost a leader, a fighter, and a man whose character and conviction were rare. Too rare. To think that his life was cut short by a brutal, heinous, evil act is beyond comprehension. It is horrible and it is heartbreaking.
Moments like this remind us just how fragile life is. We can’t wait to tell people how much they mean to us — we can’t admire them in silence. Charlie knew he was loved, but I want to say it again: he was a brother to me, and I will carry that with me forever.
I know Charlie’s legacy doesn’t end here. He poured into millions of young people who will carry forward the torch he lit. He built something that will outlast him, because it was grounded in faith, in truth, and in courage. And as his friend, I will never forget him. I’ll honor him by loving boldly, speaking truth without fear, and continuing his spirit of courage. His fight lives on in all of us who loved him.
This is an unimaginable loss. For me, for his family, for everyone who loved him, and for America. Rest in peace, brother. You will be missed more than words can ever say — but your legacy will never be forgotten and we will keep fighting the good fight.
This isn’t my strong suit and I don’t even know how to begin to put into words the loss I am feeling right now over the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie wasn’t just a friend — he was like a little brother to me – and to millions of people around the world – he was a true…
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 10, 2025
Jared Kusher, husband to Ivanka Trump, wrote, “Charlie Kirk was a close friend and a special human being. He played a significant role in helping President Trumps’s 2016 campaign, building and fostering the MAGA movement. When I was in the White House, established organizations often complained that we kept doing events with Charlie, to which I would reply “he comes with big ideas, is easy to work with and always overdelivers.”
“To me, Charlie represented the best of MAGA. Firm in his beliefs, compassionate, curious, and respectful. He had huge allotments of courage, charisma, and character. The world lost a powerful force today, way before his time.”
Charlie Kirk was a close friend and a special human being. He played a significant role in helping President Trumps’s 2016 campaign, building and fostering the MAGA movement. When I was in the White House, established organizations often complained that we kept doing events with…
— Jared Kushner (@jaredkushner) September 10, 2025
Ivanka posted a photo of Kirk, his wife and children, and wrote simply, “Rest in Peace, Charlie.”
Rest in Peace, Charlie pic.twitter.com/uEgjRQvMdn
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) September 10, 2025
Kai Trump, the eldest child of Donald Trump Jr., wrote on X, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news about Charlie Kirk. My heart goes out to his wife Erika and their two children. He was a close family friend and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this tragic time. Rest in peace Charlie. 💔.”
I am deeply saddened to hear the news about Charlie Kirk. My heart goes out to his wife Erika and their two children. He was a close family friend and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this tragic time. Rest in peace Charlie. 💔
— Kai Trump (@kaitrump) September 11, 2025
Eric Trump wrote, “Charlie Kirk was an incredible patriot — brave, tough as hell, and a dear friend to our entire family. In his honor, all @Trump properties will fly their flags at half-staff. We will always celebrate his life, strive to make him proud, and pray that God watches over Erika and their precious kids.”
Charlie Kirk was an incredible patriot — brave, tough as hell, and a dear friend to our entire family. In his honor, all @Trump properties will fly their flags at half-staff. We will always celebrate his life, strive to make him proud, and pray that God watches over Erika and… pic.twitter.com/XnjOXwfbF0
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) September 10, 2025
BREAKING: Trump addresses the assassination of Charlie Kirk from Oval Office
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