DWTS star Lindsay Arnold hits back after criticism of Charlie Kirk tribute as she reveals personal ties to sh0oting

Dancing With the Stars alum Lindsay Arnold is standing firm after facing backlash for paying tribute to Charlie Kirk following his ass@ssination this week.

The 31-year-old choreographer initially posted a ‘Rest in Peace’ message for the conservative activist, who was sh0t and k!lled while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

Dancing With the Stars alum Lindsay Arnold is standing firm after facing backlash for paying tribute to Charlie Kirk following his assassination this week; seen in 2018

But sh0rtly after, she was hit with criticism from followers questioning why she chose to speak out about Kirk and not victims of other tragedies.

One message she received read: ‘Why are you posting about this but not about all of the school sh0otings or other monstrosities that happen?’

Arnold responded directly on her Instagram Story, sharing a lengthy note that revealed her deeply personal connection to the sh0oting.

But shortly after, she was hit with criticism from followers questioning why she chose to speak out about Kirk and not victims of other tragedies

‘This sh0oting 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.’

Dancing With the Stars alum Lindsay Arnold is standing firm after facing backlash for paying tribute to Charlie Kirk following his ass@ssination this week; seen in 2018

She made it clear that her tribute wasn’t about politics, but to condemn violence.

‘I don’t care what your beliefs are, murder and violence is WRONG!!!! 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!’

The former DWTS pro concluded by pushing back against critics: ‘Acknowledging one awful tragedy does not take away from another. My heart breaks for all those who lose loved ones to heartless violent acts.’

The 31-year-old choreographer initially posted a 'Rest in Peace' message for the conservative activist, who was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday

Arnold’s message comes amid a wave of celebrity reactions to Kirk’s ass@ssination, including Mandy Moore, Chris Pratt and Savannah Chrisley.

Kirk was fatally sh0t while giving a speech at Utah Valley University.

Kirk leaves behind wife Erika Lane Frantzve, whom he married in 2021, and their two young children.

'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

Despite a large-scale manhunt being launched for his k!ller, who has still yet to be found, authorities failed to close off the airspace surrounding Provo Airport.

The sh0oting left Hollywood, the political world and his supporters reeling.

The 31-year-old choreographer initially posted a ‘Rest in Peace’ message for the conservative activist, who was sh0t and k!lled while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday

Arnold's message comes amid a wave of celebrity reactions to Kirk's assassination, with stars like Mandy Moore, Josh Duhamel, and Savannah Chrisley also sharing emotional statements

But sh0rtly after, she was hit with criticism from followers questioning why she chose to speak out about Kirk and not victims of other tragedies

Kirk was fatally sh0t while giving a speech at Utah Valley University; seen on Wednesday

It’s believed that the gunman opened fire from the roof of the Losee Center, where a shadowy figure was seen running just moments after the gunfire erupted.

The building is located 200 yards away from where Kirk was debating with students and locals about political issues, and had just answered a question about gun violence.

A manhunt remains underway, with little known about the sh0oter’s identity at this time.

First responders described them as being dressed all in black, with aviator-style sunglasses.

An elderly man, since identified as 71-year-old George Zinn, was hauled away by cops in the immediate aftermath after allegedly claiming he had fired the fatal sh0t.

Authorities soon determined that he was not involved in the ass@ssination, and later confirmed that another man they had taken into custody was not the sh0oter either.

Kirk was fatally shot while giving a speech at Utah Valley University; seen on Wednesday

‘There is no current ties to the sh0oting with either of these individuals,’ the FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety said in a joint statement.

‘There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the sh0oter,’ the agencies added, as armed police officers were seen continuing to comb through the college town.

‘This sh0oting 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

Arnold’s message comes amid a wave of celebrity reactions to Kirk’s ass@ssination, with stars like Mandy Moore, Josh Duhamel, and Savannah Chrisley also sharing emotional statements

President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s passing, describing him as ‘great, and even legendary’.

University police said they had six officers patrolling the scene and were working in conjunction with Kirk’s personal security team.

Witnesses described how Kirk started bleeding out at the scene before he was rushed to a nearby SUV.

As the investigation into the sh0oting continues, all classes have been canceled at Utah Valley University until Monday.

In the meantime, the president has ordered all American flags to be lowered to half-staff until Sunday evening at 6pm EST in honor of Kirk.