NEWS
WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham Issues Fierce Statement Against Charlie Kirk’s Shooter: “You Have Awakened a Giant” Read more⤵️

In the wake of the shocking shooting that claimed the life of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, one of the most unexpected and powerful responses has come from the world of professional sports. WNBA star Sophie Cunningham, known for her sharp shooting and fiery competitiveness on the court, broke her silence with a blunt and forceful message directed squarely at Kirk’s attacker:
“You have awakened a giant.”
The short but loaded statement, posted late Friday evening on Cunningham’s official account, has already gone viral, drawing hundreds of thousands of shares and sparking intense debate across social media platforms.
—
A Voice from Sports, Cutting into Politics
Athletes often walk a tightrope when it comes to speaking on divisive political matters. Cunningham, a forward for the Indiana Fever, is no stranger to controversy — she has built a reputation for being outspoken and unafraid to challenge critics. Her latest words, however, marked a dramatic escalation.
By choosing to directly address Kirk’s shooter, Cunningham framed the tragedy not just as a national loss, but as a turning point — suggesting that violence aimed at silencing one man’s voice would instead amplify it and rally millions more.
—
Reaction Across the Nation
Cunningham’s statement has been met with a mixture of admiration, curiosity, and criticism:
Supporters hailed her courage, noting that few athletes had spoken so directly about the attack. Fans praised her willingness to condemn violence and to warn that such actions would only strengthen resolve.
Critics, meanwhile, questioned whether her tone risked further polarizing the moment. Some argued that athletes should avoid weighing into political violence at all, while others claimed her words could be misinterpreted as a call to escalation.
Despite the divided reactions, few could deny that her words landed with unusual force.
—
Why “Awakening a Giant” Resonates
The phrase itself has become a rallying cry. Commentators noted its historical echo — the idea that violent acts can trigger an even larger movement in response. To Cunningham’s followers, it symbolized a refusal to let fear dictate the public square. To others, it was a warning: the attempt to silence Kirk would instead mobilize his supporters and perhaps even galvanize unlikely allies.
—
Sports and Civic Life
Cunningham’s statement adds to the growing list of moments where athletes stepped into the national conversation during crisis — from Muhammad Ali to LeBron James to Megan Rapinoe. In each case, the weight of their visibility lent extra power to words that might otherwise have been drowned out.
Now, with “You have awakened a giant,” Sophie Cunningham has positioned herself in that lineage — a reminder that the lines between sports, culture, and politics are thinner than ever.
—
What Comes Next
For now, Cunningham has not expanded beyond the single statement, leaving fans and media alike dissecting its meaning. Whether she intends to follow up with further commentary or action remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: her fierce message has already left a mark. In a nation still reeling from the violent death of Charlie Kirk, the words of a WNBA star have become part of the unfolding story — a rallying call, a warning, and perhaps the beginning of a much larger conversation.