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Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA Ally, Killed in College Shooting
Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk has died in a hospital after being shot Wednesday at a debate at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, according to CNN and AP.
Jason Chaffetz, a Republican who was at the event, said he heard one shot and saw Kirk go back. "It seemed like it was a close shot," he said, seeming shaken as he spoke.
Emma Pitts and Eva Terry, reporters for the Deseret News, were at the shooting. Pitts said Kirk was shot minutes after he started talking and "then you see Charlie go limp. His neck kind of turned, and we saw blood immediately."
Terry said, "A kid came up and he asked a question about how many transgender shooters there were, and Charlie gave him another comment. And then he asked one more question, and so the question was about shooters. And before Charlie Kirk could pick up the mic again, that's when the shot happened."
Kirk said, "Too many" in response to an audience member's question about how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years.
A second later, the shot rang out. Gun Violence Archive defines a mass shooting as any incident where four or more people are shot. From 2015 to 2024, the database recorded over 5,000 mass shootings.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said, "Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected."