Utah/Washington [US], September 11 (ANI): Conservative activist and right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University and later succumbed to his injuries, US President Donald Trump confirmed.
According to The New York Times, Kirk was about 20 minutes into his presentation when gunshots were fired from a nearby building. A Utah Valley University spokesperson said, “a single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker,” adding that Kirk was the only person struck. Video footage showed students fleeing in panic, with one clip capturing Kirk falling back as blood flowed from his neck. He was speaking under a tent marked with the slogan “The American Comeback” when the shooting occurred.
Initially, officials reported that a suspect had been taken into custody, but later university spokesperson Ellen Treanor clarified that no suspect was in custody and that the investigation remains active. Multiple agencies, including the Orem Police Department, Utah Valley University Police, the FBI, and the Utah Department of Public Safety, are involved in the probe.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, President Trump announced Kirk’s death, calling him “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.” Trump added, “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” The White House also confirmed that Trump ordered all American flags nationwide to be lowered to half-mast in Kirk’s honor.
Earlier, before confirmation of Kirk’s death, Trump had urged Americans to pray for him, writing, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Vice President JD Vance also posted a prayer for Kirk, saying, “Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour.”
The FBI said in a statement that it was closely monitoring the situation, with Director Kash Patel noting that agents were quickly deployed to support the response. Utah Governor Spencer Cox wrote on X that he was being briefed by law enforcement, adding, “Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life.”
Republican leaders across the country reacted with outrage. Senator Lindsey Graham called the shooting a “sick and despicable attack,” while Senators Ted Cruz and Katie Britt joined him in expressing prayers and condolences.
The New York Times reported that Kirk was answering a question about mass shootings when the fatal gunfire erupted. (ANI)
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