‘Dark moment for America’: Charlie Kirk ‘assassinated’ at university event

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, 31, has died after being shot at an event on Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. President Donald Trump called it a “heinous assassination.”

Video circulating on X (Warning: Graphic) appears to show Kirk get shot in the neck while seated and speaking on the topic of gang violence. Kirk appears to slump to the side after being struck. He was rushed to the hospital and did not survive.

After posting a tribute about Kirk online in the afternoon, President Donald Trump shared a video addressing the nation on Wednesday evening. The president sought solace in Kirk’s Christian faith and called out “radical left political violence.”

“To my great fellow Americans, I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah,” Trump said from behind his desk in the Oval Office. “Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror. …

“Our prayers are with his wife, Erika, the two young, beloved children and his entire family who he loved more than anything in the world. We ask God to watch over them in this terrible hour of heartache and pain. This is a dark moment for America.”

After a single gunshot rang out at around 12:20 p.m., multiple witnesses saw Kirk bleeding, reported the Salt Lake Tribune. “We do know there was a shot fired from the top of the Losee Center,” UVU said in a statement. “Someone appeared to be at the top of that building or somewhere inside.”

A manhunt for the shooter ensued for about three hours before FBI Director Kash Patel posted news of an arrest. About two hours later, Patel said that suspect had been investigated and released, adding “our investigation continues.”

Republican Gov. Spencer Cox said in a post to social media Wednesday afternoon that he was being briefed by law enforcement about the incident.

“Those responsible will be held fully accountable,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wrote in statement, reported by the Tribune. “Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”

Kirk frequently hosted public forum-style events at universities to engage with students. He also had a popular podcast and radio show, and he has been an ally to President Trump in each presidential campaign.

In his video address, Trump drew attention to Kirk’s commitment to free speech and peaceful debate, calling Americans to stop demonizing those they disagree with:

“Charlie Kirk traveled the nation, joyfully engaging with everyone interested in good faith debate. His mission was to bring young people into the political process, which he did better than anybody ever, to share his love of country and to spread the simple words of common sense on campuses nationwide, he championed his ideas with courage, logic, humor and grace.”

But the president continued with a rebuke: “It’s a long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that 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. … This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today, and it must stop right now.”