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ESPN host Pat McAfee has penned an emotional tribute to Charlie Kirk after he as assassinated on Wednesday afternoon - and also sent a chilling warning to America.
The conservative commentator, 31, was shot and killed during a rally at Utah Valley University by a gunman who was caught on camera dashing across a rooftop in the moments after he opened fire.
Father-of-two Kirk was hit by a single bullet while speaking to a crowd at the public university in Orem. He collapsed immediately after being hit by the gunfire and was rushed to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
A potential suspect had been captured but FBI Director Kash Patel later announced they were released as a major manhunt continues. Eerie footage in the aftermath shows a shadowy figure in the distance running across the roof of the Lossee Center.
Tributes from across the world - including from a number of NFL stars - have flooded in and now McAfee has written his own statement in honor of Kirk.
Taking to X late on Wednesday night, he wrote: 'Charlie Kirk, a name synonymous with having the courage to speak what you believe and seek/welcome conversations with those whom you disagree with.
Pat McAfee shared an emotional tribute to Charlie Kirk after he as assassinated on Wednesday
The 31-year-old was married and shares two young children with wife Erika Frantzve (pictured)
'I’m not a political person but I am a proud American citizen and today was startling, saddening, and maddening all at the same time.
'I’ve realized that I’m a bit naive to how crazy it all has become but watching a man get hunted and slayed in broad daylight because of his opinions made me disgusted and devastated.
'This can’t be what we actually are or become as a country.. I believe that the good people will always outnumber the evil people but damn… today was an alarming day in our country’s history.
'2 kids lost a dad.. a wife lost a husband.. and societal discourse lost a voice. RIP @charliekirk11 I send my prayers, thoughts, and love to his family and friends'.
McAfee joined the likes of Danica Patrick, Dave Portnoy and other prominent names in sport to condemn the killing of Kirk and call for change in the country.
Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika Frantzve, with whom he had a three-year-old daughter and a son, 16 months. The couple celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary in May.
The MAGA star, wearing a white t-shirt, was sitting inside a tented gazebo when a bullet entered his neck, causing his head to violently collapse backwards.
A single shot rang out and Kirk was seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushed from the left side of his neck.
Stunned spectators were heard gasping and screaming before people started to run away and those closest to Kirk rushed to his aid.
McAfee took to social media to label it an 'alarming day in our country's history'
Kirk seen moments before the fatal shooting, as he tossed out hats to the crowd of fans
UVU officials said the shot was fired from the top of the Losee Center, about 200 feet away from where Kirk was sitting.
They initially took an elderly man into custody who turned out not to be the shooter, police said.
Donald Trump announced Kirk's death and posted a moving tribute to him on Truth Social.
'The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,' the president said.
'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!'
