DWTS Star Lindsay Arnold Stands Firm Amid Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Tribute
SHOCKING CELEBRITY FEUD: Dancing With the Stars Alum Lindsay Arnold Slammed for Paying Tribute to Assassinated Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk
The world of entertainment is reeling with shock and controversy after Dancing With the Stars alum Lindsay Arnold faced backlash for her heartfelt tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically assassinated on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old choreographer's well-intentioned message was met with scathing criticism from followers who questioned why she chose to speak out about Kirk and not victims of other tragedies.
The drama began when Arnold initially posted a 'Rest in Peace' message for the slain activist, sparking an outcry from those who felt that she should be more selective in her tributes. "Why are you posting about this but not about all of the school shootings or other monstrosities that happen?" one irate follower asked.
But Arnold was quick to respond, firing back with a lengthy and emotional note on her Instagram Story that revealed her deeply personal connection to the tragedy. "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," she explained. "It's not even 10 minutes away from my childhood home and people I know were at that school today, and it was scary."
The former DWTS pro made it clear that her tribute wasn't about politics, but to condemn the senseless violence that took Kirk's life. "I don't care what your beliefs are, murder and violence is WRONG!!!!" she exclaimed. "The saddest part is that this kind of thing is happening daily, and no, I don't comment on every tragedy, but if you know me, you know that I feel the same about every single one. It's heartbreaking and horrible!"
Arnold also pushed back against critics who accused her of being insensitive to other victims of violence. "Acknowledging one awful tragedy does not take away from another," she wrote. "My heart breaks for all those who lose loved ones to heartless violent acts."
But Arnold isn't the only celebrity to have weighed in on Kirk's assassination. Mandy Moore, Chris Pratt, and Savannah Chrisley were among those who paid tribute to the slain activist.
A Tragic Assassination Rocks Utah Valley University
The shooting that took Kirk's life was a shocking and terrifying incident that left students and staff reeling. The 47-year-old activist was speaking at the university when he was gunned down by a lone assailant. Witnesses described how Kirk started bleeding out at the scene before being rushed to a nearby SUV.
An extensive manhunt is currently underway, with authorities scouring the college town for any sign of the shooter. The FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety have released a joint statement confirming that they are working tirelessly to track down the killer.
A Web of Deception: Was the Wrong Man Arrested?
In a bizarre twist, an elderly man named George Zinn was arrested in the immediate aftermath of the shooting after allegedly claiming he had fired the fatal shot. However, authorities soon determined that he was not involved in the assassination, and a second man who was taken into custody was also cleared as a suspect.
The agencies have confirmed that there is no current connection between the two men and the shooting. "There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter," they said.
A Nation in Mourning
President Donald Trump has announced Kirk's passing, describing him as "great, and even legendary." In a gesture of respect, all American flags have been ordered to be lowered to half-staff until Sunday evening at 6pm EST in honor of the slain activist.
As classes are canceled at Utah Valley University until Monday, the campus is still reeling from the tragedy. The university police department had six officers patrolling the scene and were working in conjunction with Kirk's personal security team.
A Community Shaken to its Core
The shooting has left a deep scar on the community, with many students and staff struggling to come to terms with what happened. "It was like something out of a movie," one student said. "I never thought it could happen here."
As the investigation continues, all eyes are on Lindsay Arnold, who remains under fire for her tribute to Charlie Kirk. Will she be able to shake off the criticism and move forward? Only time will tell.
Sources:
- TheScholarlyNote.com
- Utah Department of Public Safety
- FBI