An influential pro-Israel and pro-Trump activist has been fatally shot while speaking at an event at a university in Utah.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old media personality and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck while speaking during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
Donald Trump announced his death on social media hours after the shooting, saying:” The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
“We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition. The suspect is not in custody. Police are still investigating. Campus is closed for the rest of the day,” stated Scott Trotter, spokesperson for the university, according to Deseret News.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the leaders who expressed their condolences, posting on X that he was “Praying for Charlie Kirk.”
Jewish podcaster Ben Shapiro posted his tribute to Kirk, writing: “Like all of you, I am utterly stunned and heartbroken and sick to my soul today. It is unimaginable to write these words. All of us will miss him, and I can’t imagine the pain of his beautiful young family, and we must all pray for them. And we must pick up the baton where Charlie left it, fighting for the things he believed in so passionately. And we must fight for a better America - an America where good people can speak truth and debate passionately without fear of a bullet. I weep for Charlie’s family, and I weep for my country today. Most of all, I weep for Charlie.”
This is a developing story.
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