Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, has been confirmed dead after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University. Video shows him clutching his neck before collapsing as the crowd fled in panic.
Authorities said the shot was fired from a nearby building, with a suspect now in custody. Political leaders, including Donald Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel, expressed shock and prayers, calling the killing a tragic act of political violence.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday at 4:40 p.m. Eastern. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
The flag on the White House North Lawn was lowered to half-staff, according to the White House press pool.
The shooting happened during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour.” He had been speaking in front of a large crowd assembled for a debate-style event. A graphic video from the scene showed him speaking before a shot can be heard, and he suddenly flinched as he was struck. He appeared to be shot in the neck. Police confirmed a single shot was fired, and the campus was locked down. Initially, the university had said that a subject was taken into custody. However, law enforcement authorities said later that a suspect remains at large.
