'DWTS' Lindsay Arnold Reveals Charlie Kirk's 'Shooting Hit Close To Home' After Tribute Backlash

Lindsay Arnold insists her reaction to Charlie Kirk's death remains valid despite the backlash.

The professional dancer doubled down on her Instagram story on the reason why the co-founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA)'s death was a bit personal to her, due to proximity and empathy.

Charlie Kirk died after suffering a shot to the neck during a public speaking event while on tour at Utah Valley University.

The media personality took to Instagram to clarify that she decided to spotlight Kirk's shooting rather than address the school shooting that happened and other sad events because she was literally a witness. In her words:

"This shooting hit close to home for me (figuratively and literally), being that it happened at a university that I can literally see from my kitchen window." 

The star explained that the sad occurrence happened about 10 minutes away from her childhood home, with people she knows present at the school when the gun went off.

She emphasized that her initial stance about murder and violence being wrong, adding that it is, unfortunately, also becoming a common occurrence all over. 

Arnold added that while she typically stays tongue-tied on every tragedy, her feelings about them remain the same, which is "heartbreaking and horrible." The star wondered why people found it challenging to opt for silence, rather than pass hurtful comments and rejoice at the news of someone's passing.

"Acknowledging one awful tragedy does not take away from another. My heart breaks for all those who lose loved ones to heartless, violent acts," Arnold concluded.

In her initial post, the TV personality uploaded a picture of the late Kirk alongside his wife and their two kids, with a "Rest in Peace Charlie" caption pasted on it.

She detailed her emotions on the image, stating that she felt truly sick to her stomach for the unfortunate incident that occurred in her hometown of Utah.

"My heart and prayers go out to all those affected and especially to the Kirk family for their loss," the former reality star added. Arnold made sure to inform fans that she does not care what anyone's beliefs are, "murder and violence in any form IS WRONG!!!!!!!!!"

The primary post shared by Arnold to her story described the late Kirk as "the most important young conservative leader" at this time. They ascribed the inspiration of similar-minded movements to "his energy, his limitless capacity for work, and his devotion to the cause of liberty."

The media personality was seen falling off his chair in the middle of a question-and-answer session under a tent at Utah Valley University. As shared by The Blast, officials at the institution explained that the gunshots that took his life were aimed from the top of the campus building.

The insiders estimated the distance to be about 200 yards from where Kirk was having the speaking engagement. A few hours after Kirk was shot, FBI director Kash Patel informed concerned followers that the agency was on top of the situation.

A suspect was also reportedly taken into custody in connection with the issue, as several politicians, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, described the attack as "disgusting, vile, and reprehensible."

Kirk was a man of many things, including being outspoken about his beliefs. Since his death, several clips and instances of him sharing his thoughts on gun control and gun violence have made their way back into the media.

Two years ago, he controversially stated that deaths resulting from gun violence were important in shaping America's journey towards keeping the Second Amendment. He described the deaths as an exchange for achieving the Second Amendment as a prudent deal.

"It is rational. Nobody talks like this. They live in a complete alternate universe. Having an armed citizenry comes with a price, which is part of liberty," he declared at the speaking event.

He likened the deaths of people from gun violence to people dying due to car accidents, stressing that the benefits of driving, such as speed, accessibility, and mobility, outweigh the sting of casualties.

"So we need to be very clear that you're not going to get gun deaths to zero. It will not happen. You could significantly reduce them through having more fathers in the home, by having more armed guards in front of schools," he stressed.

The late 31-year-old was known as one of Trump's top supporters who shared similar political views to him, including being extremely conservative. The Blast stated that Trump took a step further than merely announcing his death to the public.

While giving a speech at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony, the president shared that he will soon award Kirk a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Republican added that he would carry fond memories of Kirk with him and remember him by his impressive works of instilling courage into the hearts of young and old. Trump sent his heartfelt wishes to his wife and two children, whom he called very wonderful people.

Several social media users lauded Trump's initiative to honor Kirk with a well-deserved posthumous award. However, some comments claimed it would have been more special if he were alive to smell his roses.

Charlie Kirk's death continues to draw reactions from every corner!