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Controversial conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck today while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Moments ago, on his Truth Social platform, President Donald Trump announced that Kirk has 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,” Trump wrote.
“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!”
Footage from the incident shows Kirk bleeding profusely after being shot at what appears to be close range.
Police say a suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody.
Kirk was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was initially reported to be in critical but stable condition.
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz was at the event and told Fox News that Kirk was shot while answering a question about recent mass shootings.
“He fell back to his left. Everybody hit the deck. Everybody was screaming, then everybody was running,” Chaffetz said (via The New York Post).
Chaffetz added that he believes the timing of the shooting was “no coincidence.”
“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation,” FBI director Kash Patel said in a post on X.
“Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour,” Kirk wrote in his own post on X just moments before today’s event began.
Utah governor Spencer Cox tells CNN that he’s being briefed by law enforcement and will have a full statement later today.
“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected,” Cox told the outlet.
A husband and father of two, 31-year-old Kirk was the founder of the far-right think tank Turning Point USA.
His views made him one of the most controversial figures in American political media.
In the wake of today’s incident, figures from both ends of the ideological spectrum have spoken out about the rising tide of politically motivated violence in the US.
Our thoughts go out to Charlie Kirk’s loved ones during this enormously difficult time.
We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.
