Conservative Influencer Charlie Kirk Shot Dead at Utah University Event
US right-wing activist and commentator, influential ally of President Donald Trump, fatally shot in the neck at an event at a Utah university.
US right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk, known for his influential role as an ally of President Donald Trump and his work with Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during an event at a Utah university.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, leading to immediate reactions from the public and political spheres.
Initially reported by Trump himself through social media, he expressed deep sorrow over Kirk's death: "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," Trump wrote, emphasizing Kirk's impact and their personal relationship.
The event took place at a university in Orem, Utah, where Kirk was speaking to a sizable outdoor crowd when the shooting occurred.
Cellphone videos circulated on social media capturing the moments leading up to and following the incident.
These clips show Kirk addressing the crowd when a loud crack resembling a gunshot is heard.
He can be seen moving his hand towards his neck as he falls off his chair, causing panic among the attendees.
Further footage depicts blood gushing from Kirk's neck immediately after the shooting.
While these videos are widely shared, their authenticity has not been officially verified by Reuters or other major news outlets.
Law enforcement responded swiftly to the incident.
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents were present at the scene, as confirmed by Attorney General Pam Bondi on X (formerly known as Twitter).
At the time of this report, no suspect had been apprehended by the police despite the initial statement from the university indicating that someone had been taken into custody.
Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA played a significant role in mobilizing young voter support for Trump during the November elections.
Kirk's events at various college campuses across the country were known to draw large crowds, highlighting his impact on conservative youth engagement.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, leading to immediate reactions from the public and political spheres.
Initially reported by Trump himself through social media, he expressed deep sorrow over Kirk's death: "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," Trump wrote, emphasizing Kirk's impact and their personal relationship.
The event took place at a university in Orem, Utah, where Kirk was speaking to a sizable outdoor crowd when the shooting occurred.
Cellphone videos circulated on social media capturing the moments leading up to and following the incident.
These clips show Kirk addressing the crowd when a loud crack resembling a gunshot is heard.
He can be seen moving his hand towards his neck as he falls off his chair, causing panic among the attendees.
Further footage depicts blood gushing from Kirk's neck immediately after the shooting.
While these videos are widely shared, their authenticity has not been officially verified by Reuters or other major news outlets.
Law enforcement responded swiftly to the incident.
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents were present at the scene, as confirmed by Attorney General Pam Bondi on X (formerly known as Twitter).
At the time of this report, no suspect had been apprehended by the police despite the initial statement from the university indicating that someone had been taken into custody.
Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA played a significant role in mobilizing young voter support for Trump during the November elections.
Kirk's events at various college campuses across the country were known to draw large crowds, highlighting his impact on conservative youth engagement.
