Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of Donald Trump, was shot dead during a campus event in Utah on Wednesday. The 31-year-old, who co-founded Turning Point USA, was speaking at Utah Valley University when a single bullet struck him in the neck. Videos from the scene showed Charlie Kirk Shot Dead as stunned spectators screamed and ran for safety.
Trump confirmed the news on Truth Social, calling Kirk “Great, and even Legendary.” He wrote, “No one understood the heart of America’s youth better than Charlie.” Several Republican and Democratic leaders also condemned the violence and prayed for his family.
The suspected shooter has not been caught, according to Orem Mayor David Young. Investigators said the gunman fired from close range before escaping.
Moments before the attack, Kirk was answering questions on mass shootings. As he responded, a shot rang out, cutting the event short. Former Congressman Jason Chaffetz, who attended, described hearing one loud shot and seeing Kirk collapse.
Founded in 2012, Turning Point USA became one of the most influential conservative youth groups under Kirk’s leadership. His death has once again highlighted the rising wave of political violence across the United States.
