Erik Stevenson Speaks Out Following the Killing of Charlie Kirk

Former Mountaineer Erik Stevenson weighed in on the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Kirk died after being shot while debating college students about political issues.

Below is what Stevenson wrote on X (formerly Twitter) hours after the news created a polarizing reaction across social media.

“I usually keep my mouth shut on social media but I’m fed up with seeing all the hatred in the GREATEST country on earth. I’m tired of the division. We have the freedoms to believe whatever we want to believe because of those who have laid down their lives in the face of evil.”

He continued.

“Instead of uniting as a people we have let the media divide us into 2 groups. What happened to disagreeing with someone, respecting their opinion & keeping it pushin? Thats the BEAUTY of living in the GREATEST country on earth. When are people going to get back to realizing that?

Being patriotic is not a bad thing, loving 🇺🇸 is not a bad thing, being a proud American is not a bad thing. Loving the life of living in 🇺🇸 where you have the right to do as you please, build a life for yourself and family, and enjoy the benefits of FREEDOM is not a bad thing.

We reap the benefits that plenty of other countries are literally fighting for to this day to have. I’m proud to be an American. I’m proud to believe in America, I’m proud to say that I am American while I’m overseas.”

And in closing.

“We must unite as a nation to prevent EVIL from spreading in the GREATEST country on earth. I’ll continue to say: THE GREATEST COUNTRY ON EARTH. If you don’t like it then find somewhere else to live, you have the FREEDOM to leave, unlike some countries some of you support. Ironic.”

Still pursuing an NBA career, Stevenson spent the summer playing for the Miami Heat’s Sumer League team.

Stevenson wrapped up his final year of eligibility at West Virginia during the 2022-23 season, helping the Mountaineers make the NCAA Tournament. Stevenson averaged 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 43 percent shooting from the field. The fifth-year senior played his best towards the end of the year, recording five straight 20-point-plus games at the end of February.

Before becoming a Mountaineer, Stevenson also experienced time with Wichita State, Washington and South Carolina throughout his college career.

Find more coverage of Erik Stevenson at WV Sports Now.