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College Shooting Claims Life of Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk
Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk has died after being shot Wednesday at a debate at a college in Orem, Utah, authorities said. The Arlington Heights, Illinois, native was 31.
Kirk was the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, which advocates for conservative politics on high school and university campuses. He helped begin the organization in 2012 at age 18.
FBI Director Kash Patel said, “The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi. We will provide updates when able.”
Charlie Kirk was on the first stop of a 14-city American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University, located about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City.
A video of the event showed Kirk recoiling in his seat after being shot in the neck. The shot was fired from a campus building about 200 yards away from Kirk.
Jason Chaffetz said he heard one shot and saw Kirk go back, “It seemed like it was a close shot.”
Emma 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.”
Eva 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.”
Earlier this month, senior Justice Department officials were weighing proposals to limit transgender people’s right to possess firearms.
Kirk said, “Too many” when asked how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years. He was then shot.
The same audience member went on to say the number is five and proceeded to ask Kirk if he knows how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years. Kirk said, “Counting or not counting gang violence?”
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.”
Statements from Indiana
“Praying for my friend @charliekirk11, his wife and children.”
U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, on X
“Pray for Charlie Kirk.”
U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym, R-Indiana, on X
“We are horrified by today’s attack on Charlie Kirk in Utah. We condemn political violence of any kind, anywhere in our country. No one should fear being a target for violence while expressing their first amendment rights. We are thinking and praying for Charlie and his family.”
Indiana Democratic Party
“Just learned about the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Praying for him and his family.”
U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, on X
“I was devastated to hear that Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. Charlie Kirk has been a leading voice for the conservative movement for years and is a man of deep faith. Political violence has absolutely no place in this country, and I wholeheartedly condemn this horrific shooting. I thank law enforcement and first responders for their swift apprehension of the suspect, and I ask everyone to please join me in praying for Charlie, his wife, and their young children during this difficult time.”
Rep. Jim Baird, R-Indiana
“Political violence is never ok and must be stopped. In June, Minnesota Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, lost their lives, and now Charlie Kirk lost his.
“My condolences are with Charlie’s family, especially his young children.”
U.S. Rep. André Carson, D-Indiana, on X
“Kim and I are devastated by the news of Charlie Kirk’s murder and we will pray for Erika and their beautiful children in their time of deepest grief.”
U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer, R-Indiana, on X
We condemn political violence of any kind and pray for Charlie Kirk and his family during this difficult time.