Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed on Wednesday at a Utah college event while he was responding to a question linked to a mass shooting. Authorities say conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed by a single shot in an apparent targeted attack during an outdoor event.
The right-wing leader was speaking at a debate hosted by his nonprofit political organization when the incident took place.
Moments before the shooting
The video shows Kirk had been taking questions from an audience member about mass shootings and gun violence.
"Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?" an audience member asked.
Kirk responded, "Too many."
The questioner followed up: "Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?"
"Counting or not counting gang violence?" Kirk asked.
Then a single shot rang out and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck.
Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away. The Associated Press was able to confirm the videos were taken at Sorensen Center courtyard on the Utah Valley University campus.
Who was Charlie Kirk?
31-year-old Charlie Kirk was a well-known right-wing activist and one of the strongest supporters of Donald Trump. He worked with Trump's campaign team in the 2024 elections and was described by the President as a person who understood the pulse of America's youth. Known for his ability to connect with young conservatives, Kirk was a leading figure who advanced Trump's political agenda and inspired right-wing students.
Originally from Illinois, Kirk co-founded the conservative student group Turning Point USA at the age of 18 and soon rose to become a prominent Republican voice. He was also a staunch supporter of Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once calling him a "lion-hearted friend of Israel."
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, a former Miss Arizona USA, and their two children. He enjoyed a massive following online, with 5.3 million followers on X. His radio program, The Charlie Kirk Show, attracted over 5,00,000 monthly listeners. He also authored and contributed to several books, including Time for a Turning Point and The College Scam.
(With AP inputs)
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