Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University. Shortly after the tragedy, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker posted what he described as the final text message he had received from Kirk. The message from October 2024 was a quote from Philippians 3:14:“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ.” Butker responded simply: “On the mission. Thank you.”
pic.twitter.com/bQOIw8vbHh
— Harrison Butker (@buttkicker7) September 10, 2025
But the gesture has not only stirred condolences, it has also drawn sharp criticism. Online commentators accused Butker of hypocrisy or worse, with one saying:
“Cool so you’re a racist on top of being a gay man.”
NFL Fans Call Out Harrison Butker After Sharing Charlie Kirk Texts
Charlie Kirk Gets Tribute From Harrison Butker. Photo credits: Imagn
Critics quickly seized on Butker’s public alignment with Kirk, pointing to alleged racist statements Kirk made during his life as pull-points. The phrase“Cool so you’re a racist on top of being a gay man” reflects how some netizens viewed Butker’s act as not merely a tribute but as an embracing of all Kirk stood for (criticisms included).
One complaint reads:“You support his vision and Racism while playing with minority players…”
Fan reaction:
“Cool so you’re a racist on top of being a gay man”
Cool so you’re a racist on top of being a gay man
— 🦇KingDonkoOfPunchylvania (@WhittleDick_) September 12, 2025
“You support his vision and Racism while playing with minority players, that he detested and spewed hatred and division , play Soccer !”
“It’s so unbearable right now”
“You’re a f*cking loser”
“Stfu u cringy ass clown”
Butker, who was 30 at the time, is known for his outspoken Christian faith and conservative views. By posting the Philippians-quoting text, he underscored that religious bond with Kirk. For many supporters, the message and the shared faith provide meaning amid tragedy. But for critics, every element, the verse, the tribute, and the past controversies, combine to magnify what they see as unresolved issues in Kirk’s public legacy.
According to reports, around 3,000 people were present at Kirk’s event, which was outdoor, when he was shot. The event’s large audience and public nature mean actions and statements in its wake are magnified. In sharing something intimate like a private text exchange, Butker opened up for scrutiny from multiple angles: faith, association, and identity. The backlash illustrates polarised responses when public figures cross thresholds between private grief, public tribute, and political symbolism.