The golf world is mourning the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Known for his college debates and his conservative organization Turning Point USA, he was shot a few hours ago by an unnamed sniper at Utah Valley University in Orem. Kirk, 31, was holding a stop in his “American Comeback Tour.” Around 3,000 people were present at the outdoor event when the sniper’s bullet struck him in the neck roughly 20 minutes into the program. He was transported to Timpanogos Regional Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Condolences have poured in from all sides, and Phil Mickelson‘s heartfelt message is one of them.

Taking to X, Mickelson wrote, “I never met Charlie Kirk, but I am gutted by this atrocity. Open debate is healthy and essential. Free speech is a constitutional right. Violence for disagreeing with someone is sick, d**anged, and creates a greater division that becomes harder to overcome.” His comments drew a wide response online. Mickelson has always been vocal about the political scenario of the United States.

Mickelson’s response highlights how the incident resonated beyond politics. By framing his comments around the principle of open dialogue, he positioned the tragedy less as a partisan issue and more as a warning about the consequences of violence in public life. Several people replied to his tweet, appreciating Mickelson for speaking on the issue. His tweet received 131.3K views and 11k likes.

Investigators believe the shot came from an elevated position nearly 200 yards from the stage. Eyewitness descriptions mentioned a figure in tactical clothing and aviator glasses, though no suspect has been formally identified. Two individuals were detained for questioning but were released after officials determined they were not responsible. The FBI is assisting local law enforcement in reviewing footage and interviewing attendees.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the accident a “political assassination,” while universities and event organizers elsewhere are reassessing security procedures for public appearances. Reactions across political lines have been swift in condemning the act, even as debates continue over what it represents for free speech and political discourse.

Charlie Kirk, on the other hand, had a bit of interest in golf. He was among a select few who golfed with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago two days before Trump’s inauguration. Kirk also reportedly owned a Spanish-style estate in a gated Arizona golf club. His death has brought several people to the internet.

The golf world and others react to Charlie Kirk’s death

The internet is filled with reactions to Charlie Kirk’s death. Several known entities mourn the man who gained fame with his debates on the internet and around the world. Here are some of the reactions.

LIV Golfer Anthony Kim took to Instagram and X to express his grief. “Pray 4 @charliekirk1776 & family. 2 little kids & wife. WOW.” Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, along with a son and a daughter. Kim also posted multiple tweets on X, urging followers to keep the family in their prayers. Within the golf world, podcaster Smylie Kaufman also shared his disbelief, adding to a long list of public reactions. “I am still in disbelief at what transpired this afternoon. Praying for the Kirk family through this awful tragedy,” he wrote.

Then, the golfer and granddaughter of Donald Trump, Kai Trump, also expressed her sorrow at the demise of Kirk. On her Instagram story, she wrote, “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.”

Kirk frequently visited the White House following Trump’s reelection and was reported to have developed close ties with the Trump family. One source even described him as “like an extended family” to them. His strong social media presence played a key role in boosting Trump’s support among younger voters during his Presidential campaign.

Donald Trump himself posted multiple statements on X as well as his social media platform Truth Social, calling Kirk “The Great, and even Legendary.” He ordered the American flag to be held at half-mast throughout the country in honor of Charlie Kirk. Other notable people who tweeted for Kirk were former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, condemning violence and calling for unity, without weighing in on Kirk’s politics.