Sports and media personality Stephen A. Smith sharply denounced those celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling the reactions online “shameful” and urging Americans to hold onto their humanity.
Smith delivered his remarks during his SiriusXM show Thursday, the day after Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University. He described seeing posts where people celebrated Kirk’s death, despite the violence and loss. “Shame. Shame on you!” he said.
Stephen A. Smith Smith Emphasizes Loss Over Political Views
Smith acknowledged he does not agree with many of Kirk’s political beliefs but said that no belief justifies celebrating a human life lost. He said, “I don’t care what his political beliefs were. I care that a man was gunned down in front of his children, dead at 31, leaving behind a widow and fatherless kids — just because his ideas and beliefs differed.”
He added that witnessing the aftermath has left him “melancholy, sad — that’s because I am.” Smith also said the most haunting image is of young children and a wife who witnessed the violence. “That’s what resonates with me most.”
Beyond condemnation, Smith praised actions that showed respect across ideological divides. He commended the New York Yankees for observing a moment of silence for Kirk and displaying his image on the stadium scoreboard. “Props to the New York Yankees organization last night for having a moment of silence,” he said.
He urged people not to reduce tragedy to political talking points. “We live in a world where a few evil people are making us scared to love, scared to greet our neighbors,” Smith said.
Kirk, 31, was shot at a public event, sparking widespread reactions from politicians, the public, and media figures. Many denounced the violence; some questioned whether rhetoric in public discourse contributes to political violence.
Meanwhile, several individuals who allegedly celebrated Kirk’s death faced backlash. A school district in South Texas condemned a teacher’s social media post as failing to reflect its values. Pentagon leaders also vowed to investigate inappropriate social media posts by military personnel.