Michael Keaton Emphasizes the 'Irony' of Charlie Kirk Being 'Killed with a Gun'

Last Wednesday, Kirk -- an often controversial political commentator and strong supporter of President Donald Trump -- had been speaking at a student Q&A at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when he was shot and killed by a sniper from a nearby building. The shooting occurred when Kirk was debating gun violence. He was 31.

While speaking at the Investigative Reporters and Editors' 50th anniversary gala in New York City on Monday, Keaton spoke out about Kirk's death, asserting the "irony" that he died as a result of gun violence.

"Before we start to get into the meat of this thing, I'm going to take a minute to say that, regardless of how I probably -- not probably -- have disagreed with many things he said, Charlie Kirk leaves behind two kids and a wife," he began, according to Variety. "You gotta remember that."

"Because in the end, shooting people will never answer anything, and the irony that he was killed with a gun is unbelievable," he added.

According to Variety, 60 Minutes journalist Scott Pelley -- who hosted the event -- also spoke about Kirk's fatal shooting in his opening speech.

"Charlie Kirk was murdered to silence his speech, and three months earlier, former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered to silence their speech," Pelley said, referring to the couple's tragic politically-motivated killing.

Pelley went on, "Many admired Kirk; many did not. His catchphrase was 'Prove Me Wrong.' To some, that phrase was controversial -- even dismissive. But the core idea was: Bring the proof and let's debate."

"Whether you agreed with Kirk’s ideas or Hortman’s, their murders, their silencing, is blood on the First Amendment," he added.

On Wednesday afternoon, Trump announced Kirk's death on Truth Social, writing, "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"

Following the news of his passing, celebrities and politicians from across the political spectrum took to social media to react.

On Friday, 22-year-old Utah man Tyler Robinson was identified as Kirk's alleged shooter.

Robinson was taken into custody at 10 p.m. local time on Thursday night. He was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a weapon causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice; they're all state felony charges, with the aggravated murder count carrying a possible death penalty sentence.

He's being held at Utah County Jail without bail.