Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk lost his life on Wednesday after being shot at an event held at Utah Valley University. He was 31.
Authorities said a suspect has yet to be identified, and a manhunt for the shooter is ongoing. Two individuals taken into custody earlier were found not to be connected to the attack and were later released.
Former President Donald Trump paid tribute on Truth Social, writing: “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!”
Kirk had been taking part in an event at the Orem, Utah, campus as part of his group’s “The American Comeback Tour” when the shooting happened. According to the university, a single shot was fired shortly after 12 pm local time, striking Kirk. Law enforcement sources confirmed only one round was discharged.
Video footage captured the moment Kirk was addressing a large crowd at an outdoor “Prove Me Wrong” debate, a format where he invited students to openly challenge his political and cultural views, when the gunshot rang out.
