The nation is in shock after a brazen attempt on the life of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, who was shot during a live event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Kirk was addressing students beneath a white canopy as part of his “American Comeback Tour” when chaos erupted—gunfire rang out, students screamed and fled, and Kirk collapsed, clutching his neck as blood poured from his wound. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where his condition was described as “critical.”

Authorities quickly apprehended the suspect, an older man unaffiliated with the university. Both local police and the FBI have confirmed that Kirk was deliberately targeted, with early investigations pointing to possible political motivations. The attack comes at a time of heightened tension in America, following a contentious election season and escalating incidents of politically charged violence.

Fox’s Pete Hegseth Demands National Mourning

As news of the shooting spread, tributes and condemnations flooded social media and cable news. Among the loudest voices was Fox News anchor and Army veteran Pete Hegseth, who delivered a passionate address on live television.

“This was not just an attack on Charlie Kirk,” Hegseth said, visibly shaken. “It was an attack on free speech, on the right of young Americans to gather, debate, and listen without fear. If we can’t stop and mourn as a nation, we risk losing ourselves.”

Hegseth went further, urging the President to declare a National Day of Mourning for Kirk. “Charlie is still fighting—we pray for his recovery—but America must already reckon with what happened. When Lincoln fell, the nation grieved. When Kennedy was struck down, we mourned together. If we cannot unite in grief, how will we ever unite in healing?”

The Fox studio audience responded with a standing ovation, and hashtags like #NationalDayOfMourning and #PrayForCharlie trended across platforms. Within hours, petitions supporting Hegseth’s plea drew millions of signatures.

Bipartisan Sympathy, But Lingering Division

Remarkably, Hegseth’s call found support beyond the conservative base. While many Democrats remain critical of Kirk’s politics, several leaders condemned the violence and called for unity. Senator Bernie Sanders described the shooting as “deeply disturbing” and expressed openness to “any bipartisan gesture that shows our children disagreement is never an excuse for violence.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed those sentiments: “We may not agree with Charlie Kirk, but no American should fear for their life when sharing their views. We must pause and reflect on the path we’re on.”

Grassroots Response: Vigils and Solidarity

Ordinary Americans have responded with candlelight vigils on campuses from Iowa to Arizona, and veterans’ groups are rallying behind Hegseth’s call for national mourning. Viral videos show students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance around Kirk’s photo, and parents have shared stories of how Kirk’s activism gave hope to their children. The mood across the country is one of sorrow, but also resolve—not to let this moment pass without reflection.

Pushback and Debate

Not everyone agrees with Hegseth’s proposal. Some commentators caution that a national day of mourning should be reserved for presidents or military tragedies, not political figures. “We can pray for Kirk and condemn violence, but a national day of mourning risks deepening divisions,” wrote columnist Ezra Klein.

Others worry that elevating Kirk to martyr status could fuel further polarization. But supporters insist their call is about unity, not politics.

Political Leaders Weigh In

Former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Hegseth’s proposal, calling Kirk “a true patriot” and urging the White House to act. Vice President JD Vance and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also voiced support, while Elon Musk posted, “Mourning is strength, not weakness.”

A Nation at a Crossroads

Whether the President will declare a national day of mourning remains uncertain, but the debate itself reveals a country grappling with its identity in the face of political violence. For Hegseth and millions of supporters, unity must begin with shared grief.

“Charlie Kirk dedicated himself to empowering young Americans,” Hegseth said, voice trembling. “We owe it to him—and to ourselves—to mourn, reflect, and recommit to a future where ideas are fought with words, not bullets.”

As Kirk continues his fight for survival in a Utah hospital, Americans wait anxiously—not only for news of his recovery, but for signs that the nation can come together in the aftermath of tragedy.