Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has reportedly died after being shot at an event held at Utah Valley University, according to a statement released by former President Donald Trump on social media.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” the former president posted on Truth Social. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.”
Kirk, a prominent supporter of Mr. Trump, founded Turning Point USA, an organization focused on promoting conservative principles among students on college campuses across the country.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred shortly after Mr. Kirk began speaking. Witnesses described hearing a single gunshot, followed by Mr. Kirk recoiling in his chair as attendees scattered in distress. Verified video footage corroborates these accounts.
Utah Valley University spokesperson Ellen Treanor stated that the gunfire originated from the vicinity of the Losee Center, approximately 200 yards from the event.
Another university representative, Scott Trotter, confirmed to the BBC that “a single shot rang out in the quad near the food court on the Utah Valley University Orem Campus as Mr Charlie Kirk began speaking at his planned rally.”
“We can confirm that Mr Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition,” Mr. Trotter added at the time.
BBC Verify has authenticated several videos circulating online that depict the shooting and its immediate aftermath.
One video shows students gathered around a white tent displaying the phrases, “THE AMERICAN COMEBACK” and “PROVE ME WRONG”.
Mr. Kirk is visible seated alone under the tent with several individuals standing nearby.
Another video, also verified by the BBC, shows Mr. Kirk speaking for approximately four seconds before the sound of a gunshot is heard.
Mr. Kirk then appears to lurch backward, at which point the camera moves away and the crowd begins to flee in panic.
According to CBS, the BBC’s US partner, Mr. Kirk was reportedly engaged in a discussion about gun violence in the United States just moments before the shooting.
“Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last ten years?” an audience member is heard asking.
“Counting or not counting gang violence,” he responds, just before the shot is fired.
News of the shooting prompted swift reactions from political figures across the spectrum, as well as prominent voices in conservative media, all condemning the attack.
“FBI and ATF agents are on the way. PRAY FOR CHARLIE,” wrote Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Health Secretary Robert Kennedy wrote: “We love you Charlie Kirk. Praying for you.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and frequent political opponent of Mr. Trump, described the attack as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
“In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,” Governor Newsom stated.
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who witnessed the incident, told Fox News that “everyone hit the deck” and “scattered” after the gunshot rang out.
“The shot came straight at him,” Mr. Chaffetz said, adding that he had spoken with Mr. Kirk shortly before the event commenced.
Sources within the White House described visible shock among President Trump’s press office staff upon hearing the news.
One aide reportedly exclaimed, “Oh my god, Charlie Kirk has been shot!” – prompting audible gasps from colleagues.
Video from the campus in Utah shows how the event turned to chaos after a single shot rang out.
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