Protesters and supporters gathered at a planned book event for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library on Wednesday, but while at the event, the news broke that conservative commentator Charlie Kirk had been shot during an appearance in Utah.
Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was initially listed in critical condition.
President Donald Trump later confirmed that Kirk died.
“This is insane,” Nerissa, a protester who had joined others outside the venue calling for immigration reform, told KTLA’s Omar Lewis. “We shouldn’t have to bring out the guns to get our points across. We had a very peaceful protest out here today. We need to come together and talk to each other, not hurt each other.”
Barrett was at the Yorba Linda venue promoting her new book. Demonstrators outside held signs and chanted, but emphasized the gathering was peaceful.
News of the Utah shooting once again raised concerns about gun violence.
“I hope we can actually talk about real gun reform,” Nerissa said. “We just keep doing thoughts and prayers, and they aren’t working.”
Others at the Nixon Library described seeing a graphic video of the shooting, which circulated online shortly after the incident.
Bill and Ramsey, who came to the library after the event, told KTLA that their friend was in the audience when the shooting happened.
“He was just like, in shock,” Bill said. “Everyone just ran. It was pretty crazy.”
A suspect is not in custody, according to university officials.
The incident drew renewed attention to the country’s political climate and the ongoing gun reform discussion.
Kirk co-founded the nonprofit Turning Point USA in 2012 to advocate for and communicate conservative ideology to high school and college students.
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