Conservative activist and Trump adviser Charlie Kirk was shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University, prompting a manhunt for the perpetrator.
Shooting Incident
Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. During the event, Kirk was seated under a tent on the university campus and engaging with people who were approaching him in a “prove me wrong” format.
Post-Shooting Developments
Turning Point USA reported that Kirk had been shot in the neck and had been hospitalized. Shortly after, former President Donald Trump announced that the activist had passed away. Trump wrote, “The great and legendary Charlie Kirk is no longer with us. No one in the United States understood and had as much heart for the youth as Charlie. He was loved and admired by everyone, especially by me. And now he isn’t among us anymore. Melania and I send our condolences to his beautiful wife Erica and his family. Charlie, we love you!”
Abc News Account
ABC News, citing a witness, reported that immediately before being shot, Kirk was discussing violence involving firearms. He had earlier been asked about religion and transgender issues.
Trump’s Response
Before being informed of Kirk’s death, Trump had urged supporters on social media to pray for the injured activist. Kirk served as an advisor to the former president, helping with the selection of members of his administration. He was also close friends with Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of the former president. The New York Times wrote that Kirk “balances between mainstream conservative opinions and ordinary misinformation,” and that – as a Trump ally – he “helps spread the views of the president and helps shape them.”
