Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, was tragically shot dead on Wednesday while addressing a gathering at an Utah college campus.
Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA at the age of 18, established the right-wing student organisation as a significant supporter of President Trump. He was invited to speak by students affiliated with the university’s Turning Point USA chapter.
A video shared by bystanders on social media captured the tragic moment when Kirk was sitting at a booth, surrounded by a large crowd, and a loud crack echoed through the area. Kirk was seen convulsing and falling backward as blood gushed from his neck, causing panic and chaos as people screamed and fled the scene.
The state’s governor has labelled the incident a “political assassination.”
In a heartfelt tribute, President Trump expressed his sorrow, stating, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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!”
In a subsequent video message from the Oval Office, Trump conveyed his grief and anger over the assassination, saying, “I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror.” He emphasised Kirk’s dedication to engaging in “good faith debate” across the country, describing the event as a “dark moment for America.”
Authorities detained a suspect by late Wednesday but released them without charges related to the shooting.
In response to the tragedy, several Northern Ireland politicians have shared their condolences and reflections. Gavin Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, remarked, “The tragic murder of Charlie Kirk represents more than violence against one man, but an assault on freedom of speech and open dissent. Our democracy depends on our ability to disagree peacefully. Whatever our politics, violence should never replace debate. Above all, this is a devastating loss for his loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with them this evening.”
Jim Allister KC MP, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice, also commented, “The tragic murder of Charlie Kirk is a profound loss. In today’s interconnected world, he and Turning Point USA are widely known and respected by conservatives far beyond the United States. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. For too long, terms like ‘right-wing extremist’ have been applied unevenly by the press. It is time for all forms of political violence to be recognised and condemned without bias. This principle should have been applied consistently after the attempted assassination of President Trump. We hope this tragedy prompts renewed focus on how extremism is reported and addressed by the media.”
Utah officials have reported that the fatal shot that killed Kirk may have been fired from a roof.
Authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend the shooter.
