Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was reportedly shot during an event at Utah Valley University. President Donald Trump confirmed the news on social media, stating, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead.” Kirk was known as the founder of Turning Point USA, an organization dedicated to promoting conservative values among students.
According to officials, the incident occurred shortly after Kirk began speaking, when a single gunshot was fired. Witnesses reported seeing Kirk jolt backward in his chair as attendees fled in panic. Ellen Treanor, a spokeswoman for the university, indicated that the gunfire originated from the Losee Center, approximately 200 yards away.
Scott Trotter, another university spokesman, stated, “We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition.” Several videos have been shared online, showing moments before and after the shot was fired. One video captures Kirk discussing gun violence in America, just moments before the incident. An audience member is heard asking about the number of mass shooters in the last decade, to which Kirk began to respond before the gunshot rang out.
Reactions have poured in from various political figures. Attorney General Pam Bondi urged people to “PRAY FOR CHARLIE” and noted that FBI and ATF agents were en route to the scene. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the attack as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” emphasizing the need to reject political violence. Eyewitness Jason Chaffetz described a scene of chaos, noting that attendees “hit the deck” following the shot.
While the investigation continues, the response from both sides of the political spectrum highlights a unified stance against such violence.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0r0q1x74qqo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss