Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk died Wednesday after being shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, according to President Donald Trump. Kirk, 31, was pronounced dead following the attack that occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. local time during the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour.”
President Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a statement on Truth Social, writing: “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!”
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz earlier confirmed Kirk’s death after receiving notification from Utah law enforcement officials.
Deseret News reporters on the scene witnessed Kirk being shot during a Q&A session with students. About two minutes into the interview, a gunshot rang out and Kirk appeared to be hit in the neck. Video footage from the incident shows Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent when a single shot was fired. Read more below
