The shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10 left the world in shock.
While fans mourned Kirk, others seized on the divisive legacy he left behind. At the same time, Marvel actor Chris Pratt became embroiled in backlash after offering public prayers for Kirk and his family.
Chris Pratt’s comments spark calls for MCU firing
Chris Pratt, best known as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy, initially shared his condolences after news broke that Kirk had been shot on stage while answering a question about gun violence.
“Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country,” Pratt wrote. “We need God’s grace. God help us.”
The comment instantly divided fans.
Many fans saw his comments as an endorsement of Kirk, who was known for his anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and hardline conservative stances.
“Oh now you wanna say something like there hasn’t been anything worse happening in the world,” one user wrote. Another added: “Where was Chris Pratt when Charlie Kirk was saying this?”
Calls for Pratt’s dismissal from the Marvel Cinematic Universe flooded social media.
With one person writing: "ANYWAY WE AIN'T GONNA WATCH ANYTHING YOU'RE IN. LEAVE MARVEL ALONE."
Pratt doubles down with video prayer
In response, Pratt posted a video urging viewers to join him in prayer. “Hey guys, just stop real quick and pray with me,” he said before reciting.
He ended the clip with a personal challenge: “Okay, now you can continue scrolling or you can turn your phone off and go outside. Might I suggest the latter. Go get some sunshine. Go look at a tree, touch grass. Call a friend.
"If you’ve got time to be on your phone right now, you’ve got time to do your to-do list and you’ve got time to reach out to somebody in need. Share this prayer with them.”
The shift in tone softened some reactions. “God bless you Star Lord,” one fan commented, while another wrote: “Thank you for that! Phone is hitting the table now.”
Reward questions follow arrest of Tyler Robinson
Just over a day after the attack, Robinson was arrested after his father drove him to authorities — though conflicting reports suggest another family member may have tipped off police.
The FBI had announced a $100,000 reward for information, which later ballooned to $1.2 million after pledges from figures including Alex Bruesewitz, Robby Starbuck, and billionaire Bill Ackman.
Ackman addressed concerns over whether Robinson’s family could claim the payout: “First, in order for rewards to be effective in finding criminals, the rewards need to be paid even if the recipient is a crook or worse.
"That said, in this case, if Tyler’s father is found to have been involved or otherwise acted negligently in contributing to Charlie’s death, civil litigation or criminal prosecution will reverse any unjust compensation.”
He later added that Robinson’s relatives reportedly intended to waive any claim: “So yes, we will pay the reward if it is earned to whomever the FBI indicates provided the information that led to Tyler’s arrest. I always keep my word.”
According to a police report, however, it may have been another family member who first reached out to a friend with information, sparking contact with local law enforcement.