Christian, conservative activist, and Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a debate in the courtyard of Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
While initial reports indicated Kirk was in critical condition, President Donald Trump later confirmed Kirk had died.
“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!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
A video shared on X, formerly Twitter, by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) shows Kirk talking in front of a massive crowd at Utah Valley University before being shot and collapsing in a tent.
Following the shooting, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) tweeted, “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”
In a statement on social media, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel confirmed that the agency was “closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.”
“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected,” Patel added. “Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
In a statement obtained by CNBC, a Utah Valley University spokeswoman confirmed that Kirk was roughly 20 minutes into his presentation at the university on Wednesday when shots were “fired from a nearby building.” The Utah Valley University spokesperson added that at least one shot was fired at Kirk and that “to the best of our knowledge he was hit and taken with his security team away from the premises, and the courtyard was cleared.”
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NBC News reported that Utah Valley University issued an alert to students on Wednesday afternoon and confirmed that a suspect had been arrested and that police officials were investigating the shooting incident.
In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump wrote, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Vice President J.D. Vance also released a statement, saying, “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
Gov. Spencer Cox (R-Utah) confirmed that he was being briefed by law enforcement officials following Wednesday’s shooting incident.
“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life,” Cox tweeted. “Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”
