Trump Ally Charlie Kirk Shot Dead During Utah University Event

Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist, youth influencer, and close ally of President Donald Trump, was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. The killing has fueled growing concerns about political violence in a deeply polarized United States.

Trump confirmed the 31-year-old’s death on his Truth Social platform, writing: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead.”

Kirk was struck by a bullet while addressing a packed audience. Video from the scene captured the moment a single shot rang out, followed by chaos as Kirk collapsed in his chair and the crowd screamed in panic.

The university initially stated that a suspect was in custody, though later U.S. media reports suggested otherwise. Officials confirmed the shooting took place around midday.

In a striking show of respect, Trump, 79, ordered flags on government buildings to be lowered to half-staff through Sunday. American flags at the White House were lowered shortly after the directive.

“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us,” Trump wrote, extending condolences to Kirk’s wife Erika and family.

— Eyewitness Accounts —
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was at the rally, told Fox News the shooting occurred during a Q&A session.

“The first question was about religion. He went on for about 15–20 minutes. The second question, interestingly, was about transgender shooters, mass shooters, and in the midst of that, the shot rang out,” Chaffetz recalled. “As soon as that shot went out, he fell back… everybody hit the deck, a lot of people started screaming, and then everybody started running.”

Another witness, Sophie Anderson, 45, told the Daily Mail: “He was shot in the neck and just fell over and he was just a fountain of blood.”

— Kirk’s Influence —
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, building it into a powerful conservative youth organization. Known for his sharp debate skills and social media presence, he played a pivotal role in rallying younger voters to Trump’s side — a key factor in the Republican’s return to power last year.

Through Instagram and YouTube, Kirk championed conservative causes including stricter immigration policies, gun rights, and Christian values. While celebrated by many on the right, his presence on college campuses often sparked heated opposition.

— National Reaction —
News of Kirk’s death drew reactions across the political spectrum.

Vice President JD Vance posted on social media: “Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour,” alongside a photo with Kirk and Donald Trump Jr. Commentator Tomi Lahren called him a “visionary.”

Leaders on the left also condemned the shooting. Former President Joe Biden said on X: “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom labeled the attack “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” while Vice President Kamala Harris stressed: “Political violence has no place in America.”

Former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, herself a survivor of an assassination attempt, added: “Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence.”