Political Commentator Charlie Kirk Killed During Public Event at Utah Valley University

Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist and close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, was shot and killed on Wednesday during a speech as part of his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University. The incident occurred at approximately 12:20 PM local time, when a single gunshot struck Kirk in the neck as he sat under a white gazebo in front of an audience of around 3,000 people.

An eyewitness account cited by the BBC described the moment: “I heard a loud shot, a loud bang, and then I saw his body — in slow motion — fall over.”

Kirk’s death has sent shockwaves across the nation.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the incident a “political assassination” during a press conference, stating, “This is a dark day for our state.” Kirk was reportedly rushed to a hospital in a private vehicle. Former President Trump publicly confirmed his death via social media, expressing both “anger and grief.” He described Kirk as “great and legendary,” calling him a “martyr for truth and freedom.”

Trump further emphasized the importance of civic engagement in the U.S., particularly among the youth. However, both the identity of the suspect and the motive behind the shooting remain unknown.

CCTV footage reportedly shows a person in dark clothing possibly firing from a distance.

According to reports from The Guardian and Hindustan Times, two suspects were taken into custody but were later released.

In response to the incident, Trump blamed “radical left political violence” and ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in Kirk’s honor.

Meanwhile, Utah Valley University announced the campus would remain closed for the rest of the week, with all classes and events suspended.

The university president stated, “We grieve with our students, faculty, and staff who witnessed this unspeakable tragedy.”

Source : https://en.tempo.co/read/2048069/charlie-kirk-close-ally-of-donald-trump-fatally-shot-at-university-event-in-utah