Daisy Keech Yerger, a 26-year-old fitness influencer with over 5.1 million Instagram followers, was left shaken after a wave of hateful comments poured in following her tribute to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
A Heartfelt Tribute
In the hours after Kirk’s death, Keech shared a deeply personal message with her fans. “At such a loss for words. So unfair that such an amazing man has been taken out like this. It breaks my heart. Thank you Charlie for everything you’ve done for the youth of our country,” she wrote.
She added her condolences to his family: “So much love and sympathy to his family. Please pray for them.”
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck last Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. His killing shocked the nation and sparked an outpouring of tributes from allies, including President Donald Trump, who posthumously awarded him the Medal of Freedom.
The Backlash
But Keech’s post immediately ignited anger among many of her longtime followers. Some accused her of “selective empathy” for mourning Kirk, while staying silent on other political issues.
“You lost me with that bulls**, very out of touch w reality,”* one critic wrote. Another added: “Never spoke about Gaza, ICE, any POC injustices… that hateful man is looking up at us.”
Others accused Keech of invoking faith only after tragedy: “Girl please miss with the nonsense talking about Jesus. You never made one post talking about God. Now you want to talk about him. Girl bye.”
Keech Responds
The fitness star pushed back against the vitriol, calling it “sick”. She defended her right to grieve without being attacked for her beliefs.
“I never speak on politics because of all the division it creates, but all this evil makes me sick,” Keech wrote in response. “If you are rejoicing in the death of a father and husband, I pray for your soul. Don’t let these demons make you forget what really matters here.”
She added: “I encourage you to find the Lord, He will save you. He loves you all. If you disagree or are shocked by my beliefs, that is okay. There doesn’t need to be any hate, just unfollow. I encourage you all to contribute good into the world.”
The Case Against the Suspect
Meanwhile, investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to Kirk’s killing. The suspect, a 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested after his father turned him in. Authorities say he allegedly confessed to his dad that he carried out the shooting.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, DNA evidence tied the suspect to the rifle and a screwdriver found at the sniper’s nest. Patel also said a note was recovered suggesting a plan to “take out Charlie Kirk” because of “hatred for what Charlie stood for.”
The suspect remains under special watch in Utah County Jail as prosecutors prepare formal charges.
