Prominent conservative pundit and media personality Charlie Kirk was shot during a visit to Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
Kirk, who is a supporter of US President , is CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA.
Trump posted on Truth Social after news of the shooting broke that “we must all pray for Charlie Kirk … a great guy from top to bottom.
What do we know about the shooting?
A university spokesperson told NBC News that Kirk was speaking at an event when shots were fired, adding he “was hit and taken with his security team away from the premises.”
“A shot was fired from a nearby building and we have a suspect in custody,” a university spokesperson told Reuters news agency.
Video of the event circulating on social media, and verified by the Associated Press, shows Kirk speaking under a white tent when a loud crack can be heard, after which Kirk grabs his neck, with blood seen pouring from a wound.
Fox News reported that Kirk has been hospitalized. The Associated Press later reported that Kirk remains in critical condition, citing a law enforcement official.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X that “agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
US lawmakers decry political violence
Both Democrats and Republicans condemned the shooting as an act of political violence.
“Political violence has no place in America. This shooting is horrifying, and I’m praying for Charlie Kirk and his family,” Democrat Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X.
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune posted: “There is no place in our country for political violence. Period, full stop. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk.”
More to follow…
Edited by: Louis Oelofse
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