Conservative influencer\u00a0Charlie Kirk<\/a>\u00a0was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10.<\/p>\n Kirk, 31, was attacked during a question-and-answer session with students.<\/p>\n The university\u00a0had said<\/a>\u00a0a suspect was taken into custody as of 2:15 p.m. However, Scott Trotter, a university spokesman, told the\u00a0New York Times<\/a>\u00a0police have determined the person who was taken into custody was not the shooter. Campus police declined to comment when reached by USA TODAY.<\/p>\n At 3:40 p.m., President\u00a0Donald Trump<\/a>\u00a0issued a statement on Truth Social announcing Kirk’s death.<\/p>\n “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” he wrote. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.”<\/p>\n Kirk, who started Turning Point USA at 18, was a prominent voice in conservative politics and an ally to Trump.<\/p>\n Now, members of the Nashville music community are speaking out in grief following the news of Kirk’s death.<\/p>\n “I don\u2019t even know what to say anymore. Charlie was one of the greatest young patriots this country has ever seen,” country singer Parker McCollum wrote on Instagram<\/a>. “Thank you for standing up for what so many of us believe so strongly. May God have mercy on your soul and watch over your precious family.”<\/p>\n Texas born country performer Parker McCollum at Red Light Management Monday, May 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. McCollum\u2019s fifth studio album “Parker McCollum” will be released June 27, 2025.<\/p>\n On his Instagram story, Jason Aldean shared Taste of Country’s post announcing Kirk’s death<\/a>.<\/p>\n “I don’t have the words for this right now,” wrote the country singer. “Sad, infuriated, and mostly heartbroken for his wife and kids.”<\/p>\n Jason Aldean performs at the CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, June 6, 2025.<\/p>\n “Charlie Kirk was one of the best \u2014 passionate, wise, and fair. He spoke truth, welcomed open dialogue, and sought God’s wisdom daily,” Lee Greenwood wrote in a post on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n “It’s heartbreaking to think our world has come to this. Every time I saw him, I felt such pride in his vision and strength,” the “God Bless the USA” singer continued. “Kim and I are lifting up his precious wife, Erika, and their family in prayer. Rest in peace, young Charlie Kirk. May God help us all.”<\/p>\n Lee Greenwood sings God Bless the USA during the Arnold Classic on March 1, 2025, at the Columbus Convention Center.<\/p>\n “No matter your political views wrong is wrong and this is absolutely devastating!” Travis Tritt wrote on his Instagram story<\/a>.<\/p>\n “Praying for his family!! In this terrible time,” the “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” singer said. “Rest in peace Charlie!”<\/p>\n Travis Tritt performs with Jason Aldean at the CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, June 6, 2025.<\/p>\n Contributing: Angele Latham<\/p>\n Audrey Gibbs is a music journalist at The Tennessean. You can reach her at agibbs@tennessean.com. <\/p>\n This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Charlie Kirk shooting: Nashville musicians mourn conservative<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nParker McCollum<\/h2>\n
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