American right-wing activist and media personality Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10.
The 31-year-old executive director of non-profit conservative organization Turning Point USA was speaking on campus as part of his public debate series at college institutions when the assassination happened.
Kirk had just finished responding to a question from the audience when a gunshot was fired, and blood rushed through from the activist’s neck.
The hunt for the killer is still at large. Meanwhile, according to the school’s website, the university will remain closed until Monday following the shocking shooting.
Kirk was a known close ally and supporter of US President Donald Trump.
On X (formerly Twitter), Trump has released a statement following the tragic passing of Kirk. He mentions, “Charlie inspired millions, and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united and shocked in horror. Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate, and the country that he loved so much, the United States of America.”
The US President also emphasized that they will find him justice.
“My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity, and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it.”
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris has also condemned the shooting, sending prayers to Kirk’s family, and added that “political violence has no place in America.”
Kirk has been married to Miss Arizona USA 2012 Erika Frantzve since 2021, and they have two children.
Tributes have poured in around the world and across social media following the tragedy.