Charlie Kirk Assassinated in Utah

Conservative influencer and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated during a campus event in Utah.

Kirk, 31, led Turning Point USA, the most influential conservative youth organization in the country. His massive social following – tens of millions across social media platforms – was crucial for spreading Trump's message to younger voters. Kirk built that following largely by holding campus events where he told liberal students to "prove him wrong" and would publicly debate them. On Wednesday, he was holding one such event at Utah Valley University to kick off his nationwide "American Comeback Tour."

Moments before the shooting, a student asked, "Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?"

"Too many," Kirk replied to cheers. "Five," the questioner said. "Five is a lot…I'm going to give you some credit. Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last ten years?" "Counting or not counting gang violence?" countered Kirk.

Footage from the event then captures a single gunshot ringing out as Kirk falls back after apparently being shot in the neck. Students screamed and scrambled as Kirk was rushed to the hospital. Roughly an hour later, his news company and President Trump announced that Kirk had died. Kirk leaves behind a wife and two children.

The university immediately closed its campus and canceled classes following the shooting, with officials asking those on campus to shelter in place until police could safely escort them off. FBI Director Kash Patel announced that federal agents would be deployed to the scene to support the ongoing investigation. Eyewitnesses described the shooter as an older man, possibly in his late 50s or 60s, wearing what appeared to be a worker's uniform. Initial reports falsely identified a suspect in custody right after the shooting who matched the description. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that law enforcement apprehended a “person of interest” later on Wednesday evening after a brief manhunt. As of Wednesday evening, law enforcement has not released the shooter’s identity.

Political leaders from both parties condemned the shooting. President Trump wrote on social media, "He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us," while offering condolences to Kirk's family. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) stated, "Political violence is NEVER acceptable. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family." California Governor Gavin Newsom (D), who had recently hosted Kirk on his podcast, called the attack "vile and reprehensible."