Conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University Wednesday as part of his American Comeback Tour.
Kirk was speaking under a tent on the Orem campus around 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, when a single gunshot rang out, striking him in the neck. Video footage posted on social media shows the large crowd scrambling for cover and fleeing the area. Kirk was rushed to a nearby hospital and President Donald Trump later announced on social media that Kirk had died.
"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," wrote the president. "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!"
Kirk was slated to speak at Utah State University on September 30 as part of his tour, but had faced significant pushback. A petition, started by USU student Olivia Huff, calling for Kirk to be barred from appearing at the university received nearly 7,000 signatures.
But following news of Kirk’s death, Huff sent out a written statement.
"I want to be absolutely clear: I would never wish harm on him or his family," she wrote. "No one’s life should ever be at risk because of their personal beliefs … The values of empathy and understanding that I have championed throughout this petition remain steadfast. Regardless of personal differences, we must stand united in our love for humanity and our shared desire for safety.”
The USU chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit organization founded by Kirk, had planned to host the event. Kaitlin Griffiths, the student president of the university club condemned the shooting.
"I don't know how this can be justified in anybody's eyes," Griffiths said. "Shooting somebody for what they believe, what they say is just unforgivable. We live in a country with free speech and that should be protected. His family and him are in my prayers, and I would hope that everyone would do the same regardless of political beliefs.”
In honor of Kirk, President Donald Trump has ordered flags flown at half-staff until Sunday.
