Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker shared a text from conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead Wednesday at Utah Valley University while speaking during his ‘The American Comeback Tour’. Kirk, 31, was struck in the neck after answering a question about gun violence. The university confirmed “a single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker.”

Former President Trump announced Kirk’s death on Truth Social: “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… Charlie, we love you!” Trump also addressed the nation from the Oval Office.

Many figures paid tribute. UFC champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson called it a “sad” moment for the country. Butker thanked Kirk for being a “strong witness for Christ,” adding, “Thank you for pursuing truth and leading your family as a husband and father… May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed… rest in peace. Amen.”

Butker shared Kirk’s final message: a quote from Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” He replied, “On the mission. Thank you.”

Other athletes condemned the attack. New York Giants QB Jaxson Dart called it “disgusting and sad,” while Ravens QB Lamar Jackson said, “Celebrating the death of someone you don’t share the same beliefs as is wild… Seeing it play out in real time is disgusting.”