Conservative political activist and author Charlie Kirk has died, President Trump said. Kirk was shot Wednesday while on stage speaking at an event at Utah Valley University, law enforcement officials said. He was going back and forth with a student about mass shootings involving transgender people when he was shot, according to videos of the attack. The Justice Department is investigating the shooting, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said, calling it a “senseless act of violence.”
A person taken into custody after Kirk was shot has been released.
White House aides were solemn, some with tears in their eyes, as they scanned phones for news and watched coverage on television.
Kirk, 31, was one of the most influential figures on the right and founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a powerful conservative youth organization active in over 3,500 college campuses. Kirk hosted a popular podcast and was known for hosting “Prove Me Wrong” debates on college campuses. He also played a prominent role in Trump’s outreach to young voters during the 2024 election.
Students at Utah Valley University have been told to “secure in place” until police officers can escort them safely off campus. “Campus closed. Classes cancelled,” a statement from the university said.
FILE PHOTO: Then U.S. President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., December 22, 2024. REUTERS/Cheney Orr/File Photo
