Golf icon Phil Mickelson pays tribute to Charlie | Sports News

Golf icon Phil Mickelson has honored the reminiscence of distinguished conservative determine Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down whereas talking at a college in Utah, sparking a manhunt for his killer..

Kirk, 31, served as CEO of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit devoted to advancing conservative ideas amongst college students and younger people, significantly on school and high college campuses. He misplaced his life after being struck by a single bullet at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

The married father of two was positioned beneath a white pavilion, addressing an viewers of roughly 3,000 attendees, when the deadly shot was fired at roughly 12:20 P.M. native time.

Kirk, a steadfast supporter of President Donald Trump, is acknowledged for taking part in a pivotal function within the Republicans’ vital victories amongst voters underneath 30 during the 2024 Presidential race. The Chicago native constructed an monumental online presence, and his college talking tours generated appreciable pleasure.

He additionally grew to become a central determine in South Park’s second episode of Season 27, the place Eric Cartman appeared to signify Kirk in debates with college students.

Kirk’s killing, characterised as a “political assassination” by Utah Governor Spencer Cox, reverberated globally, prompting an outpouring of condolences from various sectors, together with official statements from all surviving U.S. Presidents. The gunman, whose identify has not been disclosed, stays on the run as authorities proceed their search.

Golf icon Mickelson, a six-time main champion, expressed his deep sorrow over the stunning act of violence. “I never met Charlie Kirk but I am gutted by this atrocity. Open debate is healthy and essential,” Mickelson said on X.

“Free speech is a constitutional right. Violence for disagreeing with someone is sick, deranged, and creates a greater division that becomes harder to overcome.”

President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance provided heartfelt tributes to Kirk. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump posted on Truth Social, saying Kirk’s passing.

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“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!” Trump added.

Vance shared: “Charlie Kirk was a true friend. The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him. I am on more than a few group chats with Charlie and people he introduced me to over the years. We celebrate weddings and babies, bust each other’s chops, and mourn the loss of loved ones.

“We speak about politics and coverage and sports activities and life. These group chats embrace people on the very highest degree of our authorities. They trusted him, beloved him, and knew he’d at all times have their backs.

“And because he was a true friend, you could instinctively trust the people Charlie introduced you to. So much of the success we’ve had in this administration traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene. He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government.”