A prominent supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, died Wednesday following a shooting incident at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old was shot in the neck, according to videos circulating on social media.
Law enforcement officials have not yet apprehended a suspect and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Kirk was the founder and chairman of Turning Point USA, an organization particularly active on high school and college campuses, known for its support of Trump’s political campaigns. He was a frequent voice in conservative media, utilizing podcasts, short videos and public speaking engagements to advocate for limited government intervention and frequently voiced opposition to Islam, abortion and gender-affirming surgeries. Kirk also consistently opposed stricter gun control measures, once stating that the Second Amendment’s protections were worth the annual loss of life due to firearms.
Former President Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a post on his personal platform, stating that Kirk “knew the heart of young America better than anyone”. He has ordered that all U.S. flags be lowered to half-staff this Sunday. Even political opponents, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, condemned the attack, emphasizing that political violence has no place in the United States.