OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed at a Utah college event. The local governor labeled the attack a political assassination as authorities work to identify the shooter who escaped the scene.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene as Kirk was speaking at the Utah Valley University when a single gunshot rang out from above. Students fled in panic, and Kirk was seen collapsing in a pool of blood. The university was closed in the aftermath of the shooting as law enforcement set up multiple crime scenes and initiated a statewide search for the unidentified gunman.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed his condolences, calling it a dark day for the state and a tragedy for the nation. Federal, state, and local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, which has sparked debates about the rising threat of political violence in the country.
Two individuals were detained shortly after the incident, but they were released as they were not connected to the shooting. Kirk was known for his outspoken arguments against the left, and his death drew swift condemnation from both parties, highlighting the polarized climate of American politics.
In a recorded message, former President Trump referred to Kirk as a martyr for truth and freedom, and decried the political rhetoric that he believes contributes to such violence. The shooting has been met with calls for reflection on how political grievances can escalate into acts of violence, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue amid deepening divides.
The event, part of Kirk's The American Comeback Tour, had already sparked controversy at the university, where administrative support for free speech had come under scrutiny due to calls to cancel his appearance. As investigations continue, the community grapples with the implications of Kirk's death on free discourse and safety in political environments.
