Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk dead after shooting
US right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk has died following a shooting at an event at Utah Valley University, US President Donald Trump has said.
Mr Kirk, 31, was addressing a large outdoor crowd at the college campus when the shooting happened.
He was transported to a hospital and underwent surgery, however in a post on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump said that Mr Kirk has died.
"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie," Mr Trump said.
"He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us."
A university spokesperson said police did not have a suspect in custody, after the school initially reported that someone had been taken into custody.
Video clips of the incident circulating on social media showed Mr Kirk addressing the crowd at Utah Valley University when a loud crack that sounded like a gunshot rang out.
Mr Kirk moved his hand toward his neck as he fell off his chair, sending the attendees running.
Agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on the scene, Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X.
Mr Kirk and Turning Point, the largest conservative youth organisation in the country, played a key role in driving young voter support for Mr Trump in the presidential election last November. His events at college campuses nationwide typically draw large crowds.
After winning a second term, Mr Trump credited Mr Kirk for mobilising younger voters and voters of colour in support of his campaign during a rally in Phoenix in December.
"You had Turning Point's grassroots armies," Mr Trump said. "It's not my victory, it's your victory."
Mr Kirk had 5.2 million followers on X and hosted a podcast and radio programme, "The Charlie Kirk Show." He had also recently co-hosted "Fox & Friends" on Fox News.
Charlie Kirk is a close ally of US President Donald Trump
He was part of an ecosystem of pro-Trump conservative influencers - including Jack Posobiec, Laura Loomer, Candace Owens and others - who have helped to amplify the president's agenda.
Mr Kirk frequently attacked mainstream media and engaged in culture war issues around race, gender and immigration, often in a provocative style.
While the motive for the shooting is unknown, the United States is undergoing its most sustained period of political violence since the 1970s. Reuters has documented more than 300 cases of politically motivated violent acts since supporters of Mr Trump attacked the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.
In July 2024, Mr Trump was grazed by a gunman's bullet during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania. A second assassination attempt two months later was foiled by federal agents.
In April, an arsonist broke into Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence and set it on fire while the family was inside.
Both Republican and Democratic politicians expressed support for Mr Kirk following the shooting.
Former US vice president Kamala Harris has condemned the shooting of Mr Kirk, as US politicians from all sides expressed outrage at the attack.
"Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence," Ms Harris, who served as Democratic vice president under Joe Biden, posted on social media.
"Political violence is NEVER acceptable," Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the US House of Representatives, said on X. "My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family."
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson wrote on X, "Please join us in praying for our good friend, Charlie Kirk."
