Sophie Cunningham sends condolences after Trump ally Charlie Kirk shot dead at campus event

WNBA star Sophie Cunningham reacted to right-wing political commentator Charlie Kirk being shot dead in Utah. Kirk had been a longtime supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump and spoke on various political issues. He was shot inside the Utah Valley University event in Orem on Wednesday.

Cunningham reacted to a post by Riley Gaines Barker, who has also previously commented on Caitlin Clark and the WNBA. Parker posted a picture with Kirk and captioned the post with an emotional message.

"I'm so sick. Literal disbelief," she wrote. "We have a sickness in our society. The truth is so hated. Stop what you're doing and say a prayer to the Most High for Charlie Kirk and his family."

Sophie Cunningham commented on the post, sending prayers toward Kirk.

"Prayers up," she commented, followed by a sad face and a red heart emoji.

According to the Associated Press, Orem Mayor David Young said no suspect has been taken into custody so far. Although a person was arrested by law enforcement, he was later released.

Charlie Kirk was at the university as part of the Turning Point USA event organized by his nonprofit organization. The political commentator was speaking about gun violence and mass shootings in the country. Videos on social media and YouTube show that after the gunshot was heard, Kirk jolted backwards on the chair after answering a question.

Sophie Cunningham is currently out for the 2025 season after surgery. She suffered an MCL tear in a Fever vs. Connecticut Sun game last month.

Sophie Cunningham’s sister Lindsey sends emotional message after Charlie Kirk’s death

Charlie Kirk’s killing is being condemned by people from across the globe. Sophie Cunningham’s sister, Lindsey Cunningham, also mourned the death of the 31-year-old right-wing political commentator. She condemned the violent act in a post on her social media.

Lindsey reposted a post from @theconservateur on her Instagram story, featuring Kirk sharing a picture-perfect family moment with his wife and his two children. Lindsey mourned for Kirk’s family, writing:

“SHE LOST HER HUSBAND & THOSE BABIES LOST THEIR FATHER BC SOME POS HAD DIFFERING POLITICAL VIEWS.”

Lindsey Cunningham's IG Story [Credit: IG/@linds_cham]

She posted another story, featuring Charlie Kirk with his newborn son in 2024.

“Sad. sick. Outraged,” she wrote in the caption.

Turning Point USA, an organization founded by Kirk, asked people to respect the privacy of Kirk’s family. He is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two children, a three-year-old daughter and a son born in May 2024.

About the author

Nandjee Ranjan is a journalist covering the NBA and WNBA at Sportskeeda whose passion for basketball dates back to his childhood when he enjoyed playing the sport in school.

Nandjee finds his heart divided between two NBA powerhouses: the LA Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. He idolizes LeBron James and his leadership, while he appreciates the Warriors' dynamic and team-oriented style of play.
Basketball, for Nandjee, isn't just a sport but a holistic approach to fitness and well-being. He's been drawn to team sports, finding fulfillment in the physical engagement basketball offers.

With years of following basketball, Nandjee contextualizes historical events and player performances. He believes in conducting thorough research before writing, only taking information from reliable sources. He doesn’t mind taking more time to write an articles, as long as it is 100% accurate for his readers’ benefit.

During his leisure hours, Nandjee finds relaxation by reading books.

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Edited by Nandjee Ranjan