Charlie Kirk, Trump ally and conservative activist, killed in targeted shooting at Utah university

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and key ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday in what authorities have described as a "political assassination." Kirk, 31, was the co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth advocacy group.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox labeled the attack a tragic assault on free speech, calling the incident “a dark day for our state and nation.” Kirk’s death has sparked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum, with President Trump ordering all U.S. flags to be flown at half-mast until Sunday in his honor.

A shocking act of political violence

The shooting occurred as Kirk spoke to a large outdoor audience at the university, located 63km (40 miles) from Salt Lake City. Witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot before chaos erupted. Video footage shows Kirk clutching his neck and collapsing as attendees fled in panic.

Jeb Jacobi, a Turning Point USA volunteer who was present, described the scene as horrifying. “I saw him collapse in a pool of blood. People were screaming and running everywhere,” Jacobi told reporters.

Authorities believe the attack was premeditated. Beau Mason, commissioner of Utah’s Department of Public Safety, said security footage showed a suspect dressed in dark clothing, possibly firing from a rooftop. The individual remains at large.

The FBI is assisting local authorities in the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that a person initially detained was released after questioning. “Our efforts to locate the suspect continue,” Patel said.

Bipartisan condemnation of violence

President Trump expressed deep sorrow over Kirk’s death, praising him as a passionate advocate for America’s youth. “Charlie was loved and admired by all, especially me. No one understood the heart of our nation’s young people better,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

In a video statement, Trump blamed divisive political rhetoric for fueling violence. “It’s time to confront the fact that demonizing those with different views leads to tragic consequences,” he said.

Democratic leaders joined the condemnation. President Joe Biden called the assassination “unacceptable,” while former President Barack Obama emphasized the need to reject violence in all forms. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the attack “disgusting and vile,” urging Americans to stand against political extremism.

A divisive figure on campus

Kirk’s visit to Utah Valley University had stirred controversy, with critics accusing him of promoting divisive rhetoric. An online petition calling for the event's cancellation argued that Kirk’s views clashed with the university’s values of acceptance and progress. However, university officials defended the event as an exercise in free speech.

Known for his fiery debates on college campuses, Kirk was a polarizing figure among young conservatives and liberals alike. His events often drew large audiences and heated exchanges with students who opposed his views.

In his final public appearance, Kirk had been discussing gun violence moments before the shooting. According to witnesses, an audience member asked Kirk about mass shootings in the U.S., and shortly after, the gunshot was fired.

A legacy of activism

Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 alongside Tea Party activist William Montgomery. The organization gained prominence for its advocacy of conservative values, particularly among young Americans. Over the years, Turning Point attracted high-profile donors and became a powerful force in Republican politics.

Initially supportive of traditional GOP policies, Kirk later embraced Trump’s populist vision, campaigning vigorously for him in 2020 and 2024. In a recent interview, Kirk described his mission as steering young Americans away from radicalism and toward conservative ideals rooted in faith, family, and community.

“This is about lifting people up, not staying angry,” Kirk said, days before his untimely death.