Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA co-founder and right-wing media personality, was fatally shot on Wednesday (Sept. 10) while hosting an event in Orem, Utah.
Kirk was shot during a question-and-answer session as part of his American Comeback Tour that stopped at Utah Valley University.
In several graphic videos that are circulating on social media, Kirk slumped back in his chair after a bullet hit his neck. Kirk was taken to the hospital in critical condition and was later pronounced dead.
Utah Valley University's senior director of public relations, Scott Trotter, confirmed the shooting to the BBC.
"A single shot rang out in the quad near the food court on the Utah Valley University Orem Campus as Mr. Charlie Kirk began speaking at his planned rally," Trotter said. "We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don't know his condition."
Per the Associated Press, authorities said they were searching for a suspect in the shooting. Videos posted online earlier in the day had shown a man arrested on the campus, but officials confirmed this person was not the suspect.
Who is Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk is a prominent right-wing political activist who co-founded the nonprofit Turning Point USA, which focuses on promoting conservative values among young people, particularly on college and university campuses.
He was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy Board of Visitors by President Donald Trump earlier this year, and he's considered a close ally of the current administration.
Where is Utah Valley University located?
Utah Valley University is located in Orem, Utah.
Ahead of Kirk's speaking event on the campus, an online petition asking administrators to prevent his visit received nearly 1,000 signatures, according to PBS.
In a statement issued last week, university officials cited First Amendment rights and said it was committed to "free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue."
Kirk shared news of the controversy around his visit on X last week, writing, "What's going on in Utah?"
What have politicians said about the shooting of Charlie Kirk?
Following the shooting and news of Kirk's death, politicians on social media offered prayers and condolences.
Trump, in a post shared on Truth Social, shared a post after Kirk was shot.
"We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot," he wrote. "A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!"
When the news broke that Kirk had died, Trump shared a longer statement.
"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," the president 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. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"
Utah Sen. Mike Lee said in a tweet that he is "tracking the situation" following the reported shooting and is "praying" for Kirk.
"The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible," tweeted California Gov. Gavin Newsom. "In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form."