Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot Wednesday evening while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was 31.
Kirk’s spokesman confirmed the news, saying the shooting occurred roughly 20 minutes after he began addressing an audience on campus. According to The New York Times, initial reports suggested a suspect had been detained. However, law enforcement later clarified that the individual seen in circulating videos was not the gunman. The shooter remains at large, and authorities have launched an active investigation.
Kirk was a close ally of former President Donald Trump and a leading figure in right-wing youth activism. News of his death sparked a wave of grief and tributes from political figures and supporters nationwide.
Trump expressed his condolences on social media, calling Kirk “great and legendary” and writing, “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”
University officials said the campus was placed on lockdown following the shooting. Classes were canceled as police searched the area and urged the public to remain vigilant.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing their search for the gunman. No motive for the attack has yet been released.
