It was a moment of raw emotion rarely seen on live television. Fox News host Will Cain fell silent, visibly shaken, as he confirmed the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, to his audience.
“Great Dishonor” on Live TV
Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday afternoon while speaking at Utah Valley University, just moments after answering a student’s question about mass shootings. President Donald Trump later confirmed the devastating news.
Trump’s Truth Social post broke while Cain was live on The Will Cain Show. The host interrupted a guest mid-segment, pausing as he told viewers: “It is my great dishonor to confirm that Charlie Kirk has died.”
Will Cain at Fox News just stopped his ENTIRE show, watched by millions, to give a moment of silence and prayer for Charlie Kirk after he was shot
This is beautiful.
"However you pray, I hope at this moment you can pray for Charlie Kirk," @willcain said
Our country needs more… pic.twitter.com/ATj15hR1nS
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 10, 2025
Cain then went quiet for several seconds before questioning how the nation could move forward after such a devastating tragedy.
A Pause for Prayer
Even before Kirk’s death was officially confirmed, Cain had already turned emotional, holding a moment of silence and urging his audience to join him in prayer.
“We are going to pause and offer our prayer. We hope you join along,” he said. After a few seconds, he added softly: “However, and to whomever you pray, I hope you pray for Charlie Kirk.”
Viewers described the scene as gutwrenching; the Fox News host was visibly moved by the weight of breaking news.
A Brutal Assassination
The shooting unfolded as Kirk engaged with students during his American Comeback Tour. While answering a student’s question about U.S. mass shootings, Kirk’s final words were reportedly: “Counting or not counting gang violence?” The answer was cut short by the crack of gunfire.
Videos circulating online showed blood after Kirk was struck, while witnesses recalled seeing him fall as horrified attendees screamed and scattered. First responders rushed him to the hospital in critical, and he later died from his injuries.