By Gage Skidmore - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/54670961811/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=172612805
Conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has died after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon, according to his organization.
President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a post on Truth Social, praising him as a powerful voice for young conservatives.
“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,” Trump wrote. “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!”
Authorities say a suspect is in custody following the shooting, which took place while Kirk was addressing students. Utah Valley University issued an emergency alert during the incident, and police have confirmed an investigation is ongoing.
Earlier, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Vice President JD Vance had urged prayers for Kirk and the students present at the event.
No additional details about the suspect or the motive have been released.
Kirk, 32, co-founded Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy group aimed at mobilizing young people in politics. He was also a frequent speaker at college campuses and political events nationwide.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
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