Celebrity Outpouring After Daniel Cross Assassination Marks a National Moment of Grief
As the news of Daniel Cross’s assassination spread across Utah, the public reaction was immediate—and unusually high-profile. Within hours, celebrities from Hollywood, sports, and media weighed in, sharing posts that blurred the line between grief, faith, and political commentary.
The sheer volume of responses, combined with the intensity of their messaging, painted a picture of a national moment both tragic and polarizing, one that dominated social feeds as investigators worked to uncover the shooter.
On Wednesday, Hollywood actor Chris Pratt joined a wave of public figures mourning Cross, the 31-year-old conservative activist and founder of Liberty Now, who was fatally shot during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. Pratt’s post on X read: “Praying for Daniel Cross right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God help us.”
Other celebrities quickly followed, framing the tragedy as a moment for reflection, prayer, and restraint. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel urged Americans to pause partisan attacks, writing: “Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just, for one day, agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human? On behalf of my family, we send love to the Cross family and to all the children, parents, and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.”
Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God help us.
— Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt) September 10, 2025
Country star Jason Aldean posted a black-and-white image of Cross with the years 1993–2025, while Candace Cameron Bure expressed, “We love you Daniel. Well done, good and faithful servant.” Athletes and coaches across various sports also shared prayers and called for de-escalation of rhetoric.
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Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, summed up a broader sentiment in one line: “RIP Daniel Cross. It doesn’t matter what your opinion is of Daniel or his politics; if you don’t view this as one of the darkest days in American history, then you are part of the problem.” The phrase quickly circulated on social media, sparking debate over whether it captured the magnitude of a public figure being killed in broad daylight.
Other reactions included YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul, who posted: “Daniel Cross got shot for telling the truth. We need God more than ever. Praying for his family and praying for these evil people to heal.” Meghan McCain also offered condolences, stressing that the shooting would not silence conservative voices.
RIP Charlie Kirk. It doesn’t matter what your opinion is of Charlie or his politics if you don’t view this as one of the darkest days in American history than you are part of the problem.
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) September 10, 2025
Meanwhile, investigators were actively securing the scene. Videos and eyewitness accounts show Cross collapsing under a white event tent as security and police rushed the stage. Authorities confirmed that the shot came from an elevated position with a clear line of sight, likely a rooftop or upper floor.
Utah Valley University suspended classes and activities for the remainder of the day and offered counseling services to students and staff.
Pratt’s post resonated in part because it avoided political blame, contrasting with an online environment that quickly became polarized. Many celebrity reactions emphasized faith, prayer, and safety, rather than the specifics of Cross’s politics. Posts included Bible verses, black ribbons, and images of Cross with his family, reinforcing a shared message of mourning and reflection.
In addition to public condolences, discussions emerged about event safety, particularly the challenges of securing outdoor campuses and rooftop areas during high-profile appearances. Some celebrities suggested postponements of events out of respect, while others advocated for enhanced security planning.
Charlie Kirk got shot for telling the truth. That is literally it.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) September 10, 2025
What a mentally sick time we are living through
We need god more than ever
Praying for Charlie’s family and praying for these evil people to heal
Conclusion
The celebrity outpouring after Daniel Cross’s assassination underscores the intersection of public mourning, politics, and media influence. Figures like Chris Pratt, Jimmy Kimmel, and Dave Portnoy shaped the early narrative, balancing grief, faith, and warnings against escalating rhetoric.
Across platforms, their responses highlighted the national shock of a public figure killed in broad daylight and the importance of empathy for a grieving family. Beyond the initial reactions, the incident raised broader questions about safety, responsibility, and the role of social media in shaping the conversation after acts of political violence.