Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead during a public event in Utah. Videos of the shocking incident have since gone viral on social media, sparking outrage across the political circles and members of the Hollywood film industry.
About the shooting
According to AP, local authorities confirmed that the 31-year-old was shot in the neck while appearing at a university campus. Witnesses reported that the shot appeared to have come from a rooftop and that the suspected gunman was dressed in dark clothing.
While initial reports indicated that the shooter was on the run, FBI Director Kash Patel later announced that a suspect was arrested and taken in for questioning.
Trump announces Kirk’s death
President Trump announced Kirk’s death on his social media platform Truth Social, writing, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity, and to other political violence, including the organisations that fund it and support it.”
Hollywood condemns the shooting
The killing has ignited widespread condemnation from politicians, actors, singers and various other public personalities. Hollywood stars, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chris Pratt, Jimmy Kimmel, Kid Rock and others, took to their social media handles to mourn Krik’s demise and denounce what they described as “senseless gun violence.”Actor and former California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, took to his handle to tweet, “My heart is with Charlie Kirk’s family, and with the United States. Politics has become a disease in this country, and it’s deadly. But don’t listen to the pessimists who say there is no cure. There is a cure. It is inside of us. We must find our better angels and walk back from the extremes. If we can’t agree on anything else, we must find agreement that we don’t solve our debates with violence. This is a horrible tragedy. May it also be a moment for everyone to rediscover their humanity.”Schwarzenegger’s son-in-law, Chris Pratt took to his handle to write, “Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God help us.”Late-night host, Jimmy Kimmel, penned a note that read, “Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human. On behalf of my family we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.”According to former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was present at the event, Kirk had been answering a question about gun violence and mass shootings when the fatal shot was fired. “As soon as that shot went out, he fell back. Everybody hit the deck. A lot of people started screaming, and then everybody started running,” Chaffetz told Fox News.Video footage circulating online shows Kirk collapsing with blood spewing from his neck before being rushed to a hospital by his security team. The news of his death was announced by the President.
