Ronald Acuña Jr. Shares Heartbreaking Final Messages from Charlie Kirk Before Activist’s Assassination
Atlanta, Georgia – In a deeply moving disclosure, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. has revealed the final messages he received from Charlie Kirk, the prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, just hours before Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. These messages, which seem to eerily foreshadow Kirk’s tragic fate, have added a poignant personal layer to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old figure whose death has rocked the American political landscape. The friendship between Acuña and Kirk, bridging the worlds of sports and activism, has captivated the public, offering a glimpse into the profound loss felt by those closest to him.
Charlie Kirk, a leading conservative voice with millions of followers on social media, was killed during a Q&A session with students in Orem, Utah. The assailant, described as wearing all black and firing from a distance—possibly a rooftop—remains at large. The FBI, under Director Kash Patel, is investigating the killing as a potential “political assassination,” as described by President Donald Trump. Amid the national outcry over Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the bond between Kirk and Ronald Acuña Jr., a superstar MLB player, has drawn significant attention, underscoring the personal impact of this tragedy.
Ronald Acuña Jr., 27, is the Braves’ dynamic outfielder, celebrated for his speed, power, and 2018 NL Rookie of the Year award. Acuña and Kirk forged a close friendship through shared interests in philanthropy, sports, and conservative values. Acuña, who has openly supported Republican causes, attended Turning Point USA events and praised Kirk on social media. “Charlie was like a brother to me,” Acuña told ESPN in an exclusive interview. “He was so passionate about making a difference. Those final messages… they hurt because it feels like he knew something bad was coming.”
According to Acuña, the messages were exchanged via the secure messaging app Signal on the evening before Charlie Kirk’s assassination. What started as lighthearted banter about the Braves’ season took a somber turn, hinting at the threats Kirk had recently received. Acuña allowed a portion of their conversation to be shared publicly to honor Kirk’s legacy, noting that the messages may reflect Kirk’s awareness of the danger he faced.
Here is the transcript of the final messages from Charlie Kirk to Ronald Acuña Jr.:
Charlie Kirk (7:30 PM): “Yo Ronald, you killed it in that last game! Braves looking strong, man. Gotta catch a game together after I’m back from Utah.”
Ronald Acuña Jr. (7:32 PM): “Haha, thanks bro! Appreciating the love. Utah trip? Stay safe out there, you know how crazy it gets.”
Charlie Kirk (7:35 PM): “Yeah, it’s been intense. Got some weird messages lately, like ‘you’re done, Kirk.’ Probably just haters, but if something happens to me, keep pushing for what’s right, Ronnie. Don’t let them silence us. You’re a champ.”
Ronald Acuña Jr. (7:37 PM): “Man, that’s serious. You tell the police? Don’t ignore that stuff.”
Charlie Kirk (7:40 PM): “Told them, but they need more proof. Anyway, if I go quiet, tell the world what we stand for. Love the Braves, love this country, love you, man. Catch you later.”
That was Kirk’s final message. Acuña said he tried reaching out afterward, but Kirk didn’t respond. The next morning, news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination broke, leaving Acuña devastated. “It’s like he saw it coming,” Acuña said, his voice heavy with emotion. “Those words, ‘if something happens,’ they’re stuck in my head.”
The friendship between Ronald Acuña Jr. and Charlie Kirk began in 2021 at a Turning Point USA charity event in Atlanta. Kirk, a passionate Braves fan, invited Acuña to appear on his podcast to discuss baseball, faith, and conservative principles. Their connection deepened through regular conversations about freedom, family, and the role of athletes in public life. Acuña once shared a photo with Kirk on X, captioned, “Inspired by a true fighter.” This bond made Acuña one of the first to receive condolences from Kirk’s family, including his wife and two young children.
Charlie Kirk’s assassination has ignited fierce debate about the safety of conservative public figures. Turning Point USA vowed to carry on Kirk’s mission, with enhanced security at future events. President Trump tweeted, “Charlie was a patriot and a hero. We will hunt down those responsible and deliver justice.” Some liberal commentators have pointed to polarized rhetoric as a factor, though no evidence directly ties the attack to such claims.
For Acuña, the loss is profoundly personal. “Charlie wasn’t just a voice on a stage; he was my friend,” he said. “Those messages remind me to live with purpose, like he did. I’ll play every game for him—giving it everything.” Acuña plans to host a charity game in Kirk’s memory, with proceeds supporting Kirk’s family and conservative organizations.
As the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination continues, these final messages may hold critical clues. The FBI is examining the threats Kirk referenced. For now, they offer a heartbreaking portrait of a man who sensed his fate but remained unwavering in his beliefs.
The Braves community and conservative supporters have rallied around Acuña, with #RememberCharlieKirk trending on X. This tragedy transcends politics, revealing a story of friendship that connected the diamond to the national stage.
