Trump’s conservative ally Charlie Kirk killed in shooting

ISLAMABAD: Prominent U.S. right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was fatally shot in the neck on Wednesday during a campus event at Utah Valley University.

"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,” Trump wrote on social media. 

A spokesperson for Utah Valley University said police do not currently have a suspect in custody. Earlier reports had indicated someone had been detained, but officials later clarified no arrests had been made.

‘Martyr of truth’: Trump condemns Kirk's assassination

In a separate video message, Trump said he was “filled with grief and anger” after the “heinous assassination” of right-wing influencer, calling it a “dark moment for America.”

He said Charlie was an inspiration for millions, and those who loved him are united in shock and horror.

“He fought for liberty, democracy, justice and the American people. He's a martyr for truth and freedom. And there's never been anyone who was so respected by youth.

A screengrab from a social media video shows U.S. right-wing activist, commentator, Charlie Kirk, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump speaking during an event at Utah Valley University, moments before being fatally shot, in Orem, Utah, U.S., September 10, 2025. Kevin/via REUTERS

The US president said violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible

He called on the Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived and died.

“An assassin tried to silence him with a bullet, but he failed. Because together we will ensure that his voice, his message, and his legacy will live on for countless generations to come,” he added.

Shot from a building rooftop

Multiple sources said the fatal shot was fired from an academic building approximately 100–200 yards away. According to BBC, Kirk’s wife and two young children were present on campus at the time. A source told CBS that the shooter appeared to have fired from the roof of the university's Losee Center.

Cellphone footage circulating online shows Kirk, 31, addressing a large outdoor crowd at the university's Orem campus when a single gunshot rang out. He is seen reaching for his neck and collapsing from his chair as panic spreads among the attendees, Reuters reported.

In another clip, blood is seen spurting from Kirk's neck immediately after the shot. Reuters noted that it has not independently verified the authenticity of the footage.

The incident is the latest in a disturbing trend of political violence in the U.S., which includes two assassination attempts against Trump last year.

Kirk shot while discussing gun violence

Kirk’s appearance was part of a nationwide "American Comeback Tour" targeting U.S. universities. The tour was meant to engage students in political debate, a hallmark of Kirk’s style.

Seconds before the shooting, Kirk was addressing a question about gun violence from an audience member, according to multiple videos posted online.

“Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America in the last 10 years?” the attendee asked.

Kirk responded, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” — moments later, the shot rang out.

Authorities have not released any information about a possible suspect or motive.

Influence and legacy

Kirk was the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, the largest conservative youth organization in the U.S. The group played a pivotal role in mobilizing support for Donald Trump, particularly among young and minority voters during the 2024 election.

Following his re-election, Trump credited Kirk for his influence:

“You had Turning Point’s grassroots armies... It’s not my victory, it’s your victory,” Trump told a crowd in Phoenix last December.

Kirk had a wide-reaching platform, with 5.3 million followers on X, formerly known as Twitter, and was host of the popular "Charlie Kirk Show" podcast and radio program. He had recently co-hosted Fox & Friends on Fox News.

Kirk was widely seen as part of a new generation of conservative influencers, including figures like Jack Posobiec, Laura Loomer, and Candace Owens, who amplified Trump’s message through digital platforms.

Trump announced on social media that all U.S. flags would be flown at half-staff until Sunday in Kirk’s honor.

Bipartisan condemnation

Leaders from across the political spectrum expressed shock and condemnation over the attack.

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,” wrote Vice President JD Vance, a close friend of Kirk, on X.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said before Kirk’s death was confirmed: “The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”