Charlie Kirk, a renowned conservative activist in the United States and political ally of President Trump, was shot and killed during a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on the 10th, at the age of 31.
The shooting occurred around 12:10 p.m. that day. According to on-site video footage released by local media, at the moment of the shooting, Kirk was wearing a white crew-neck shirt and was sitting at the center of an outdoor stage. Suddenly, a gunshot rang out. Kirk clutched his neck with his hand but did not fall immediately. The scene fell into chaos, and people scattered in all directions.
About three hours after the incident, Trump posted on social media that Kirk had died and extended condolences to his wife and family.
At the same time, Trump ordered flags across the United States to be flown at half-staff as a mark of mourning, lasting until 6 p.m. on the 14th.
FBI Director Patel said on social media that the suspect who shot Kirk has been apprehended.
Kirk was a very active political activist in the United States. He was the co-founder of the conservative nonprofit organization “Turning Point USA” and one of the most influential influencers among Trump’s “Make America Great Again (MAGA)” supporters.
Kirk’s visit to Utah Valley University was a stop on his “Prove Me Wrong” speaking tour. According to the event’s format, Kirk invited audience members onstage to debate political ideas with him.
Local media reported that previously, some university students had jointly petitioned to cancel Kirk’s speech.