Actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell, 63, took to Instagram with an emotional plea for peace following the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Alongside a photo of Kirk, O’Donnell wrote: “No just no — do not become the murderer. This is wrong on every level.” She also added the hashtag “We r all Americans.”
Kirk’s Death at Utah Valley University
Earlier on Wednesday, news broke that Kirk had been shot while making an appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, as part of his American Comeback Tour. Reports indicated that a single shot was fired from approximately 200 yards away, striking Kirk in the neck.
The Turning Point USA founder was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead at the age of 31.
In a statement, the organization said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, write to notify you that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven.”
Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children.
Trump and National Reaction
Former President Donald Trump, whom Kirk had endorsed in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections, also issued a tribute:
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Tributes poured in from public figures, athletes, and celebrities, including actor Chris Pratt and former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, who expressed shock and sorrow over the killing.
As of Wednesday evening, police confirmed the suspect had not yet been caught. A person of interest was detained but later released.
Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump’s History
O’Donnell’s statement came as a surprise to many, given her long-running feud with Donald Trump. The pair have traded public barbs for nearly two decades, beginning during her time as a co-host on The View.
Their feud escalated during Trump’s 2015 presidential campaign. During a Republican debate, Trump was pressed about derogatory comments he had made toward women. He infamously replied: “Only Rosie O’Donnell.”
O’Donnell fired back on social med continued. Earlier this year, O’Donnell announced she had relocated to Ireland with her 12-year-old child, Clay. In July, Trump threatened to revoke her U.S. citizenship in retaliation for her ongoing criticism — despite the fact that a president has no legal authority to strip citizenship.
A Divided Nation Reacts
Kirk’s assassination has further polarized America’s political landscape. His supporters view him as a martyr for conservative values, while others remain sharply critical of his activism and Turning Point USA’s controversial role on college campuses.
O’Donnell’s message, however, cut through the political divide. By urging Americans not to mirror violence with more violence, she highlighted the rare possibility of unity in the face of tragedy: “We r all Americans.”
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