Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative activist and close ally of former President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday at Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old.
Kirk was speaking at a campus debate hosted by his group, Turning Point USA, when a gunman fired from a rooftop. A video shows Kirk collapsing after being shot in the neck. About 3,000 people were attending the event, which quickly turned into chaos as people screamed and ran for safety.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the killing a “political assassination” and promised the shooter would face justice. Police said they were still searching for the suspect late Wednesday. Two people were earlier detained but later released.
Trump praised Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom,” blaming the “radical left” for the attack. Other politicians, including Democrats like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, strongly condemned the murder.
The attack has raised new fears about rising political violence in the U.S. Recent years have seen deadly attacks on leaders from both parties, including the attempted assassination of Trump at a rally last year.
Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was only 18. The group grew into a major conservative youth movement, especially after supporting Trump in 2016.
Kirk became a frequent guest on TV, known for his strong criticism of liberal ideas and his defense of Trump.
Utah Valley University canceled classes and shut down the campus after the shooting. Police went door-to-door in nearby neighborhoods searching for the gunman, who was last seen wearing dark clothing.
“This is a tragic day for our nation,” Gov. Cox said.
-Peace News Desk