Prominent U.S conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a live campus event in Utah on Wednesday, sparking widespread shock and condemnation across the American political spectrum.
Authorities confirmed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the development, saying, “The subject involved in today’s horrific shooting that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. We will provide further updates as available.”
Kirk, 31, was addressing students at a Utah university as part of a speaking tour when he was reportedly shot in the neck.
Emergency responders rushed him to the hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.
Former U.S President Donald Trump expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling Kirk “legendary” and “a beloved voice for American youth.”
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media platform.
“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… Charlie, we love you!”
Kirk rose to national prominence as a leading figure of the pro-Trump conservative youth movement.
He founded Turning Point USA at just 18, which quickly grew into one of the largest right-wing student organizations in the country.
Known for his fiery rhetoric and confrontational style, Kirk attracted millions of followers on social media and frequently sparred with political opponents during speaking engagements on college campuses.
Clips from these events often went viral, further cementing his status among young conservatives.
He was an outspoken advocate of Trump’s policies, a vocal critic of immigration and transgender rights, and a staunch promoter of the false claim that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was stolen.
While revered by many on the right, Kirk was also a highly controversial figure.
Author Kyle Spencer, who chronicled the rise of Turning Point USA, described him as “a charismatic Christian nationalist who essentially acted as a spokesperson for Trumpism and extremist ideas.”
Kirk’s organizations also played a key role in mobilizing Trump supporters, including during the controversial events surrounding the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
Turning Point Action, one of his offshoot groups, was instrumental in Trump’s 2024 voter mobilization campaign.
Despite not having a college degree, Kirk gained national influence through his podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, and frequent appearances on right-wing media, including Fox News.
His commentary often blended ideology with conspiracy theories, including unfounded claims about migrants, COVID-19, and the 2020 election.
In one widely criticized instance in 2024, Kirk falsely alleged that Haitian migrants in Ohio were eating cats and dogs, a claim later repeated by Trump during a presidential debate, though never substantiated.
When challenged on the truthfulness of his statements, Kirk brushed off criticism, saying, “I say we spread the truth.”
The shooting has drawn condemnation from both Republican and Democratic leaders, many of whom stressed the importance of protecting freedom of speech, even in politically charged environments.
Investigators have not yet released a motive for the shooting, but sources say the suspect acted alone. Security protocols at political and university events are expected to come under renewed scrutiny in the coming days.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk and is remembered by supporters as a passionate advocate for conservative values and a bold voice in American political discourse.
