Nashville Artists React to Charlie Kirk Shooting & Colorado School Shooting

Several music artists with ties to Nashville took to social media to react to the killing of U.S. political conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, who was shot during a question-and-answer session at a Turning Point USA “The American Comeback Tour” event, held at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Wedneday (Sept. 10). He was later pronounced dead. A manhunt is still underway for the shooter, according to CNN.

Several country, Americana, rock and Contemporary Christian artists, including Sheryl Crow, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Breland, Lauren Alaina, Gavin Adcock, Parker McCollum, CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith, offered reactions on social media. Many offered up thoughts for Kirk’s family, his wife and the couple’s two young children, while others also expressed frustration and grief for a politically divided nation.

Many artists also reacted to a school shooting that took place the same day at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado, where two students were critically injured and the gunman died from self-inflicted injuries.

Kirk was a prominent voice in conservative politics and also a polarizing figure, known for holding debates on college campuses and engaging in discussions around topics including faith, gun control and climate change. His comments regarding race, gender and politics garnered both support and fierce criticism. He formed Turning Point USA 13 years ago; the organization advocates for conservatism on educational campuses and has more than 850 campus chapters, according to the New York Times.

Read some of the artists’ reactions below.