Charlie Kirk, a Trump ally and rightwing activist, has been shot at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday. Here’s what we know so far:
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The university said in a statement that Kirk was taken away by his security. Law enforcement officials have told the AP he is in hospital and in a critical condition.
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Campus police are investigating the incident. There are conflicting reports about the detention status of the suspect.
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Donald Trump has asked for prayers for Kirk. Trump wrote on Truth Social: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
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Kirk, the executive director of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was shot at about 12.10pm local time while appearing at an event. In video posts circulating on social media, Kirk can be seen getting struck while speaking and sitting beneath a tent. Kirk was there as part of The American Comeback Tour, which is hosted by the TPUSA chapter at Utah Valley. Video footage shows students on campus running away from the sound of gunshots.
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Kirk was about 20 minutes into a presentation when a shot was fired from a nearby building, the university told CNBC. The university has said a “single shot” was fired towards Kirk.
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The FBI director, Kash Patel, has said that his agency is “closely monitoring” the situation.
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The shooting sparked immediate condemnation from Republicans and Democrats. Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro and Chuck Schumer condemned the attack. JD Vance, Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem and Pete Hegseth paid tribute to Kirk and asked the public to pray for him.
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Spencer Cox, Utah’s governor, said that he had been “briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today”. Cox added that “those responsible will be held fully accountable”, and urged “Americans of every political persuasion” to condemn the shooting. He offered his prayers for Kirk, his family and all those affected.
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Shortly before shots rang out, Kirk tweeted: “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.”
