Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday in what Utah’s governor declared a “political assassination” while speaking at Utah Valley University, sparking shock, grief and urgent calls to stem the rising tide of political violence in the U.S.
What happened
Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was addressing about 3,000 people at an “American Comeback Tour” event at UVU in Orem when a single shot rang out from a nearby building. He was struck in the neck. Law enforcement officials say the shot was fired from a rooftop roughly 200 yards away. Kirk was taken to a hospital, but later died.
Investigation & timeline
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said the suspect entered campus around 11:52 a.m. before making his way to the rooftop where the shot was fired. After the shooting, the suspect jumped off the roof and fled through a nearby neighborhood.
Mason said investigators have “good video” of the suspect but are not releasing it publicly at this time. “We’ll release it to the media if we need help identifying it,” he said.
“We are exhausting every lead. We will not stand for this,” Mason added.
Authorities initially detained two individuals in connection with the shooting. Both were later released after investigators concluded they had no involvement. The manhunt for the shooter continues, with state and federal law enforcement assisting.
Reactions
The killing drew widespread bipartisan condemnation: political leaders from both parties, former presidents, governors and others denounced the violence. President Trump called Kirk a “martyr for truth and freedom.” Many stressed the need to reduce inflammatory rhetoric and safeguard public political life.
Context and legacy
Kirk was a prominent figure in conservative youth politics, known for his work with Turning Point USA, his social media presence, and his efforts to bring conservative ideas to college campuses. His death is the latest in a disturbing string of politically charged attacks in the country that have raised fears about political violence becoming more common.
