Conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump Charlie Kirk was shot dead during a Utah Valley University event on Wednesday sparking fears over rising political violence in a deeply febrile United States.Trump confirmed on social media that 31-year-old Charlie Kirk had died from his injuries. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump posted on Truth Social.Videos on social media show Kirk speaking under a white tent with slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong” when a gunshot rang out.A video from the scene showed Kirk bleeding heavily as panicked attendees rushed to safety. Authorities confirmed that a suspect has been taken into custody. He immediately grabbed his neck as the crowd screamed and ran. The shooting happened at the Sorensen Center courtyard on campus, according to AP.Trump had earlier put out a post urging everyone to pray for Kirk. “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Who was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk, 32, was one of the most prominent pro-Trump activists and conservative media personalities in the US.CEO and co-founder of youth group Turning Point USA, Kirk launched the group in 2012 to promote conservative politics on school and college campuses.Raised in suburban Chicago, Kirk got into politics as a teenager, volunteering for a Senate campaign and even leading a protest over cafeteria prices in high school. He had briefly attended Harper College before dropping out to pursue activism full-time.Mentored at 18 by Tea Party activist Bill Montgomery, Kirk grew Turning Point into a network that includes Turning Point Action, Turning Point Faith, Turning Point Academy, and the Turning Point Endowment.He was married to Erika Frantzve, a podcaster and businesswoman, and they have two children.
