Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University, President Donald Trump announced on social media.
The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead, the president wrote on Truth Social. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.
Kirk, a fervent supporter of Trump, was the founder of Turning Point USA, a group that seeks to spread conservative ideas to students on US campuses.
Officials say he had just begun speaking when a single gunshot rang out. Videos verified by BBC show him jolting backwards in his chair as students scatter in panic.
A spokeswoman for Utah Valley University, Ellen Treanor, stated the gunfire came from the Losee Center, a building about 200 yards away. Scott Trotter, another representative, confirmed a single shot was fired as Mr. Kirk began his rally.
Media reports have confirmed the authenticity of several videos capturing the incident. One video shows Kirk discussing gun violence moments before the shot, illustrating the chilling reality of political discourse in America.
This tragic event has ignited reactions from politicians across the political spectrum, underscoring the urgency to denounce political violence in all forms. Attorney General Pam Bondi urged onlookers to pray for Kirk, while California Governor Gavin Newsom labeled the attack reprehensible.
Witness accounts from attendees reveal the chaos that ensued directly after the shot was fired, with many scrambling for safety and confusion consuming the event. Marked by shock and disbelief, this event raises significant questions about safety and civility in political dialogue.
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