Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk speaks before he is shot during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (Associated Press)
University officials said shots were fired from a nearby building roughly 20 minutes into Kirk’s presentation.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, prompting panic among attendees and swift condemnation from political leaders.
University officials said shots were fired from a nearby building roughly 20 minutes into Kirk’s presentation, hosted by the campus chapter of Turning Point USA, the organization he co-founded in 2012.
Witnesses said Kirk was struck, after which his security team quickly removed him from the scene. He was taken to hospital in critical condition and then succumbed to his wounds.
Videos shared on social media appeared to show Kirk recoiling in his seat under a tent bearing the “American Comeback Tour” banner, with blood visible on his neck as the crowd rushed to safety. The university confirmed that the courtyard was cleared and later said a suspect was in custody, although he turned out not to be the killer.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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 FBI said it was closely monitoring the incident. “Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X before Kirk’s death was confirmed. “Agents will be on the scene quickly, and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
Kirk, 31, was one of the most visible pro-Trump activists in the United States. He co-founded Turning Point USA to promote conservative values among high school and college students and has since built a large following through speeches, media appearances, and social media.
Just hours before the attack, Kirk had posted about the event at Utah Valley University, writing that the campus was “fired up and ready” for the first stop on his tour.
He leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, and two children.
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