Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot at Utah Campus Event

Charlie Kirk speaking with attendees at the University of Florida during the "American Comeback Tour" at the Plaza of the Americas in Gainesville, Florida, on February 27. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr

American right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk was pronounced dead after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. 

The 31-year-old co-founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA was at Utah Valley as the first stop during the fall on the American Comeback Tour, a series of events on college campuses, when a gunshot was fired.

After the single, fatal gunshot hit his neck, Kirk’s security immediately rushed him to the hospital, according to ABC News. The shooting came as Kirk spoke about gun violence and mass shootings in the country, Fox reported.

President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on his Truth Social account: “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!"

According to the New York Times, the weapon that was used was found near the Utah university campus. 

The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, along with local officials and multiple law enforcement authorities, are on the scene assisting in the manhunt, as the shooter is still at large. 

Less than an hour after his Truth Social post confirming Kirk’s death, President Trump wrote, “In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.”