BALTIMORE — Conservatives are grieving the tragic loss of nationally renowned political commentator Charlie Kirk.
The 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder was assassinated by a gunman while speaking to a large crowd at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
Kirk, a husband and father of two young children, was revered by hundreds-of-thousands of college aged voters for which he aimed to recruit to the Republican side via civil on-campus debate.
His talking points often drew criticism from national Democratic leaders, who on many occasions would vilify and compare him to historical figures like Hitler.
While tributes poured in on social media following Kirk's murder, some welcomed the terrible news with continued vitriol.
Former University of Maryland and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, known for his outspoken opinions on current social events, took to X condemning those circulating the gruesome footage of Kirk's death online.
"Celebrating the death of someone you don't share the same beliefs as is wild," Smith wrote. "Seeing it play out in real time is disgusting."
Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson appeared to second Smith's thoughts by reposting his message.
Jackson, who like Kirk, is open about his strong Christian faith, caught a bit of heat from critics last month when he reposted Kirk's "It's all about Jesus" comments.
So far no arrests have been made in connection with Kirk's killing, although authorities said Thursday morning they've recovered the firearm used.
