Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist and founder of conservative political organization Turning Point USA, died after being shot at Utah Valley University.
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In a statement on Truth Social, President Trump confirmed the news. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” the world leader, who was close to Kirk, wrote. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.”
President Trump further shared, “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.
He then added, “Charlie, we love you!”
Vice President JD Vance also reacted to the news, “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.”
In response to Charlie Kirk’s death, President Trump has ordered flags flown at half mast. “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.”
Kirk was on the Utah Valley University campus on Wednesday as part of his The American Comeback Tour. The school’s Turning Point USA chapter hosted the event.
While speaking about gun violence, a bullet struck Krik in the neck, knocking him to the ground. He was quickly swarmed by security and first responders.
Kirk was taken to a nearby hospital and was listed in critical condition.
His wife, Erika, and their two children were at the event when the shooting occurred.
The Person Initially Taken Into Custody Following the Charlie Kirk Shooting Has Been Released, Shooter Remains at Large
Just before President Trump announced Charlie Kirk’s passing, a Utah Valley University spokesperson confirmed the person who was taken into custody following the shooting has been released.
Orem Mayor David Young stated that several local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are working on the investigation while the suspect remains at large.
The Utah Valley University released a statement asking those “still on campus to secure in place until police officers can safely escort them off campus.
The university officials also revealed that one shot was fired from about 200 yards away.
“At about 12:20 shots were fired from a building about 200 yards from the speaker,” the statement reads. “To the best of our knowledge, the individual was hit and was taken away immediately by his security personnel.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox further announced, “Working with the FBI and Utah law enforcement, we will bring to justice the individual responsible for this tragedy.”
One witness told the BBC that there was “no security” during the event. “Nobody stopped me or searched my bag,” the witness said. He then pointed out that he was “surprised” by the lack of security.