Charlie Kirk Assassinated at Utah University
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old Christian conservative activist, media personality and founder of the youth organization Turning Point USA, is dead. The announcement came from President Donald Trump.
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking at a debate hosted by TPUSA at at Utah Valley University, on Wednesday afternoon, according to the organization.
“The suspect is not in custody. Police are still investigating. Campus is closed for the rest of the day,” stated Scott Trotter, spokesperson for the university, according to Deseret News.
The university in Orem, Utah, initially said in a statement that a suspect has been taken into custody, but that has not been determined by the FBI, according to reports.
Reaction from the US and around the world at the news of the shooting was quick.
“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us,” President Trump posted to Truth Soocial. “Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X that the F.B.I. was “closely monitoring” the situation.
“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected,” he wrote. “Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
Pennsylvania’s Democrat Governor Josh Shapiro, who was a victim of a politically motivated arson attack at his home earlier this year, condemned the attack in a statement. “We must speak with moral clarity,” he said. “The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying and this growing type of unconscionable violence cannot be allowed in our society.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences as well, posting on X: “Praying for Charlie Kirk.”
In 2021, Kirk married Erika Frantzve, with whom he shared two young children.
This is a developing story.
–Dwight Widaman
