Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow joined [1] national figures in reacting to the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, calling the killing a sobering reminder that “evil is real.”
Kirk, 31, was shot on Wednesday while addressing students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, and later died.
The shooting prompted an outpouring of grief and condemnation across political and cultural circles.
Tebow, a Heisman Trophy winner and college football national champion, posted a statement on X expressing both sorrow and faith.
“Evil is real. There is no doubt, the enemy is hard at work,” Tebow wrote.
“These last few days, the weight of evil has been heavy across our nation. But this I know: It will not have the final word. One day, God will make all things right. Until then, we pray. We weep with those who weep. And we keep fighting, knowing the victory has already been won.”
Evil is real. There is no doubt, the enemy is hard at work.
These last few days, the weight of evil has been heavy across our nation.
But this I know: It will not have the final word. One day, God will make all things right.
Until then, we pray. We weep with those who weep.…
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) September 11, 2025 [2]
He went on to emphasize Kirk’s devotion to faith and family.
“I’m shocked and devastated to learn about the passing of Charlie Kirk. Above all else, Charlie was a follower of Jesus, a husband, and a dad. He was a man of passion, courage, and devotion to making an eternal impact. Demi and I are praying for Erika, his two children, and everyone who loved him.”
He was a fan. https://t.co/OQKiIY2eS0 [3]
— Flappr (@flapprdotnet) September 11, 2025 [4]
Kirk was speaking at his “America Comeback Tour” event at Utah Valley University when a gunman opened fire inside the campus arena, where roughly 3,000 people were gathered.
He was struck once in the neck and later died from his injuries. Law enforcement officials confirmed that campus police and Kirk’s private security were present at the event but were unable to prevent the attack.
Utah Valley University police chief Jeff Long confirmed that multiple officers were stationed at the venue.
“You try to get your bases covered, and unfortunately, today, we didn’t,” Long said following the shooting.
A manhunt for the suspect is ongoing. Authorities have not released a description of the individual believed responsible for the attack.
President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death later on Wednesday in a post 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. 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!”
Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and quickly rose to national prominence as one of the leading conservative activists of his generation.
His organization focused on youth engagement, hosting campus events and conferences across the country.
The assassination has shaken the conservative movement and sparked tributes from political leaders, media figures, and grassroots supporters.
Tebow’s remarks added to a growing list of public figures who framed Kirk’s death as a call for unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Funeral arrangements for Kirk have not yet been announced. Turning Point USA confirmed that it will hold a memorial rally in Phoenix to honor his legacy.
Meanwhile, federal and state authorities continue their search for the shooter.