Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday during a public event at Utah Valley University in Orem. He was 31.
Kirk was speaking at his “Prove Me Wrong” table, part of his nationwide “American Comeback Tour,” when a single shot struck him in the neck. The gunfire came from a building about 200 yards away. He was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries.
Authorities are treating the incident as a political assassination. A person of interest was taken into custody shortly after the shooting but later released. The gunman remains at large. Nearly 3,000 people were in attendance at the time of the attack, with campus security and local police on site.
The killing has sent shockwaves through American politics. Leaders across the spectrum condemned the violence and called for restraint. President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, confirmed his death publicly and praised his role in building youth support for conservative causes.
Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children. His death has reignited debate over political divisions in the United States and the security of public figures at live events.
