Prominent conservative pundit and media personality Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a visit to Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
Kirk, who was a supporter of US President , was 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.
Trump later posted on the platform that 31-year-old Kirk had died, after spokesman Andrew Kolvet confirmed the death.
What do we know about the shooting?
A university spokesperson told NBC News that Kirk was speaking at an event when a single shot was fired, adding he “was hit and taken with his security team away from the premises.”
The university had initially said a suspect was in custody, but later said the person detained was not actually the shooter.
The initial statement said a shot was fired from a nearby building.
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.
Various news agencies reported that Kirk was rushed to a hospital after the shooting.
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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