Prominent conservative commentator and Trump ally Charlie Kirk was shot dead on Wednesday during a live event at Utah Valley University. He was killed at the age of 31.
US President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”
Trump extended condolences to Kirk’s family, including his wife Erika and their children.
“Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife, Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
President Trump ordered all American flags across the United States to be lowered to half-mast.
“In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.,” Trump posted.
Shooting occurred during Q&A
Kirk was reportedly shot during a Q&A session following his speech. Video from the event shows him responding to a question when a single shot rings out. Kirk then collapses backward in his chair as the crowd erupts in panic.
According to reports, the shooting occurred around midday. While initial statements from Utah Valley University revealed that a suspect was in custody, later reports indicated otherwise.
Jason Chaffetz, former Utah congressman and a guest at the event, described the scene to Fox News.
“First question was about religion. He went on for about 15-20 minutes. Second question, interestingly, was about transgender shooters, mass shooters, and in the midst of that, the shot rang out,” Chaffetz recalled.
“As soon as that shot went out, he fell back. Everybody hit the deck… a lot of people started screaming, and then everybody started running.”
Sophie Anderson, 45, an attendee standing approximately 100 feet from the stage, described the moment of impact.
“He was shot in the neck and just fell over, and he was just a fountain of blood,” she told the Daily Mail.
Nation reacts to Charlie Kirk’s death
Political figures across the spectrum have expressed their grief and concern.
Former President Joe Biden decried the attack on Kirk in a post on social media.
“There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones,” he said in a post shared on X.
Former President Barack Obama issued a statement on X, “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
Senator Marco Rubio called the shooting an “assassination” and described Kirk as a patriot. “Charlie Kirk’s commitment to America’s future generations and sense of patriotism will resonate for decades to come.”
Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff during Trump’s administration, paid tribute as well.
“America has lost one of its greatest champions,” he said. “Charlie Kirk was the most extraordinary husband and father. All of us must now dedicate ourselves to defeating the evil that stole Charlie from this world.”