Pat McAfee 'Disgusted and Devastated' Over Charlie Kirk Assassination

Pat McAfee is weighing in on Charlie Kirk's death ... saying politics aside, it's "startling, saddening and maddening" for someone to lose their life over their opinions.

The ESPN talent and host released a lengthy statement on Wednesday ... hours after the Turning Point USA founder was assassinated, while hosting an event at Utah Valley University.

"I've realized that I’m a bit naive to how crazy it all has become but watching a man get hunted and slayed in broad daylight because of his opinions made me disgusted and devastated," McAfee said.

The former Indianapolis Colts punter went on to say he refuses to believe incidents like this are what America stands for -- he still has faith that the good will continue to outnumber the evil -- but admitted "today was an alarming day in our country’s history."

"2 kids lost a dad .. a wife lost a husband .. and societal discourse lost a voice."

"RIP @charliekirk11," he added. "I send my prayers, thoughts, and love to his family and friends."

The Kirk assassination has sent shockwaves through the sports world -- Jake Paul, Brett Favre, Dave Portnoy and more shared their feelings as the news made rounds.

Danica Patrick -- who made several appearances on Kirk's show in the past -- also spoke out on Wednesday ... saying, "It's in times like these that we have to look at humanity and ask why these things happen and then the most important question ... what do we do next? I don’t have the answer. But I know it’s not fight fire with fire, even though anger is a dominant emotion. We need an answer that will change the world forever."

"God, please help us. And maybe I could also say ... Charlie, help us from heaven… as his energy for gods work never seemed to run out."