Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk shot dead in Utah

OREM: US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a key ally of President Donald Trump and founder of a major youth movement, was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. Authorities said the 31-year-old was targeted by a lone sniper, triggering an intensive manhunt across the state.

Gunfire at packed event

The shooting unfolded shortly after noon before an audience of nearly 3,000 people gathered for the launch of Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour.” Witness videos posted online captured the moment a single shot rang out as Kirk responded to a question on gun violence. He clutched his neck and collapsed as panic spread through the crowd.

Investigators believe the bullet was fired from a rooftop sniper’s nest on the Orem campus, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. Despite deploying state and federal tactical teams, police said the suspect remained at large by nightfall.

Detentions, but no arrests

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason confirmed that two men were detained for questioning but later released. “There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals,” a police statement said. “The investigation and manhunt continue.”

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Jeff Long, chief of the university police department, said six officers were on duty at the event and had been coordinating with Kirk’s private security detail.

Trump orders flags at half mast

In a video posted to Truth Social, President Trump condemned the killing and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. “My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity,” he said, adding that organizations funding political violence would also be held accountable.

Trump also directed that all U.S. government flags be flown at half-staff until Sunday in Kirk’s honor. At the White House, staff members described shock and grief, with several noting Kirk’s deep influence on Trump’s outreach to young voters.

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Utah’s Republican Governor Spencer Cox called the killing a “political assassination” and a “dark day” for the country. On Capitol Hill, an attempt to hold a moment of silence for Kirk devolved into partisan shouting, underscoring the tense climate surrounding political violence.

A rising star of the right

Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA, the largest conservative youth organization in the country, credited with mobilizing students and first-time voters for Trump. The group became a major force in campus politics, often sparking heated debates over race, gender and immigration.

With 5.3 million followers on X, Kirk also hosted the popular “Charlie Kirk Show” podcast and frequently guest-hosted on Fox News’ Fox & Friends. Trump himself once credited Turning Point with helping secure younger and minority voters during his reelection campaign.

Kirk leaves behind his wife and two young children.

A question on gun violence, then a shot

Ironically, moments before the attack, Kirk was fielding a question from an audience member about mass shootings in America. “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Kirk asked, seconds later, the shot was fired.

Cellphone clips showed chaos as audience members ducked for cover and fled. Blood was visible on the stage as security rushed to shield the fallen speaker.

Political violence on the rise

The assassination comes amid what analysts describe as the most sustained wave of U.S. political violence since the 1970s. Reuters has tracked more than 300 politically motivated violent incidents since the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

Trump himself survived two assassination attempts last year, including one in Pennsylvania where he was grazed by a bullet. Democratic politicians have also been targeted, including Minnesota state senator John Hoffman, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s family.

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Republicans in condemning Kirk’s killing, saying: “Political violence of any kind and against any individual is unacceptable and completely incompatible with American values.”

Nation on edge

The manhunt continued late into Wednesday night with helicopters and armed officers scouring the Utah Valley University campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Officials have not publicly discussed a motive.

For Trump supporters, Kirk’s assassination was an unmistakable blow. For critics, it underscored a nation teetering under deep divisions and escalating violence.

“This rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism we’re seeing,” Trump warned in his Oval Office message. “It must stop right now.” The City police officials have said that the suspect has not yet been arrested and that a search is ongoing in the area.

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President Trump, while taking to Truth Social, announced that all American flags across the United States should be lowered to half mast in honor of Charlie Kirk, whom he described as a “truly Great American Patriot.”

The flags are to remain at half mast until Sunday evening at 6 PM. This rare gesture signifies a moment of respect and remembrance for Kirk’s impact and contributions, as acknowledged by Trump.