The shock of Charlie Kirk’s killing on Wednesday in Utah didn’t just hit politics—it spilled over into sports as well.
Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. was one of those who spoke out, saying Kirk’s death should be mourned even if people didn’t agree with his politics.
In an Instagram Story, Porter admitted he never followed Kirk’s work but was disturbed by the glee some people showed online.
“RIP to Charlie smh,” Porter wrote. “I never watched his stuff, but nobody deserves to die like that. Man had a wife and kids. … He was killed for sharing his opinions and giving others the opportunity to share theirs as well. This is sad man. … praying for the family!”
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck while taking a question during his Utah Valley University tour—ironically, one about mass shootings involving transgender people.
From NBA to WNBA: Emotional Reactions to Charlie Kirk’s Shooting
The news spread fast, drawing reactions well outside political circles. Lindsey Cunningham, sister of Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, didn’t hold back her anger on Instagram.
“She lost her husband & those babies lost their father bc some POS had differing political views,” she posted. “Emphasis on POS. Sad. Sick. Outraged.”
Meanwhile, Donald Trump—Kirk’s longtime ally—called him “great” and “legendary,” offering condolences to his wife and children. He also ordered White House flags flown at half-staff and vowed to hunt down “each and every” person linked to the shooting.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox went even further, bluntly calling it a “political assassination.”
Police confirmed two people were detained briefly but released. The shooter is still at large.
For Kirk’s family, supporters, and even unexpected voices like Porter Jr., the fallout is the same: another act of political violence that leaves a trail of grief and outrage.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
