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Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, died Wednesday after being shot at a college event, Trump said.
The co-founder and CEO of the youth organization Turning Point USA, the 31-year-old Kirk is the latest victim in a spasm of political violence across the United States.
Kirk was giving a presentation when shots were fired, reportedly hitting on his neck. According to his spokesperson, “to the best of our knowledge, he was hit and taken with his security team away from the premises.”
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Vice President JD Vance posted on X asking followers to pray for Kirk.
“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” Vance said.
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined the chorus of Trump officials offering their prayers to Kirk.
“We love you Charlie Kirk,” Kennedy wrote in a social media post. “Praying for you.”
According to reports, the shot was fired from the roof of the Losee Center building of the University, about 200 yards away.
Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization Kirk co-founded also confirmed that he has been shot while speaking at the “American Comeback Tour” event at Utah Valley University.
At least 14 other events are scheduled for the coming months, with “more to be announced soon,” according to Turning Point USA.
“This is an ongoing situation. We can confirm that Charlie Kirk has been shot. He is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time,” Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA, said in a statement.
“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” FBI Director Kash Patel said on X. “Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected.”
He said FBI agents will be on the scene quickly.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he is being briefed by law enforcement about the shooting.
The suspect has been taken into custody. A Utah Valley University spokesperson said the suspect was not a student.
Kirk has publicly supported conservative causes and aligned with Trump. He has spread Covid-19 misinformation, denounced critical race theory, and denied climate change.
According to CNN, Trump has previously praised Kirk as critical to his gains among young voters in last year’s presidential election.
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