Matthew Wilson
Update 9/11 5:15 PM ET: Charlie Kirk has died from his injuries, according to President Donald Trump. The president shared the following news with people.
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“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. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday evening.
Charlie Kirk, a vocal rightwing activist, has reportedly been shot while talking at an event in Utah. Kirk is also the executive director of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and frequently visits college campuses.
What happened: Reportedly, Kirk was at Utah Valley University when he was shot. A viral video on social media showed Kirk speaking beneath a tent on campus. He was touring the college as part of his The American Comeback Tour.
Video surfaces: The video shows Kirk getting struck by a bullet. Video footage also shows terrified students fleeing the scene after the shooting. It was captioned, “A video from Utah Valley University, where shots were just fired at a Charlie Kirk event.”
Charlie Kirk Shot
The TPUSA later confirmed to Fox News and CNN that someone indeed shot Kirk. At this time, we do not know the circumstances of his shooting or what condition Kirk is in.
Officials speak out: Mike Lee, a Utah senator, posted on X about the shooting involving the activist.
- He wrote, “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”
- Ashley Moody, another Utah senator, also posted on X. She wrote, “My office is monitoring the situation at Utah Valley University. I pray for Charlie Kirk, the students, and this nation.”
- “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot,” President Donald Trump wrote. “A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Prior to the shooting, Kirk tweeted: “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.”
Suspect not in custody: Meanwhile, a suspect is reportedly not in custody despite earlier reports to the contrary. The FBI is monitoring the situation.
“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote in a post on X. “Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
