Country singer Jason Aldean honored Charlie Kirk during his Detroit show on Sept. 11, just a day after the conservative commentator, Turning Point USA founder and close ally of President Donald Trump was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University.
Aldean described Kirk as “an amazing person” and “one of the best people, ever.”
“This was a guy that I knew for a few years,” said Aldean. “I had the chance to meet him on quite a few occasions.”
Aldean dedicated his 2023 single “Try That In a Small Town,” noting that Kirk had supported the song upon its release, despite widespread criticism. The song drew backlash from some who interpreted its lyrics and imagery as promoting gun violence and evoking themes of vigilantism or racial violence.
“Charlie’s a guy that’s gonna be very, very much missed,” added Aldean. “His legacy is going to live on forever with Turning Point [USA] and what he’s done with only 31 years on this planet.”
Nashville musicians grieve Charlie Kirk: Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Kid Rock share their thoughts
Aldean referred to Kirk’s death as a “really tragic loss for everybody.” On Sept. 10, he shared a statement on Instagram alongside a photo of himself, his wife Brittney Kerr Aldean and Kirk.
“It’s been a hard day not only in our family, but all over the country,” Aldean wrote. “Charlie Kirk was one of the kindest, smartest and bravest people I’ve ever met. I’m honored to have met and spoke with him on a few occasions.”
Here’s what else to know.
What happened to Charlie Kirk?
Kirk, 31, was killed by a single gunshot on Sept. 10 while speaking in front of some 3,000 people as part of his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City.
Kirk was answering an audience question about mass shootings when the bullet struck his neck, causing students and visitors to flee in panic.
‘We have him.’ Charlie Kirk shooting suspect taken into custody
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting of Kirk, USA TODAY reported. According to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Robinson confessed to a family member, who then alerted authorities through a mutual contact.
He was taken into custody at 10 p.m. local time on Sept. 11, FBI Director Kash Patel said.
More: Nashville students call for civility after Charlie Kirk shooting: ‘Words not weapons’
Trump first announced the news of the arrest during a Sept. 12 appearance on Fox & Friends, stating, “We have him.” The announcement followed a tense manhunt, with officials admitting just hours earlier that they had no leads on the suspect’s whereabouts.
Trump will attend Kirk’s funeral in Phoenix, Arizona, he said on Fox.
Contributing: USA TODAY
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Charlie Kirk honored by country star with tribute, controversial song
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