Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was tragically killed on Wednesday, September 10th, during an event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was a close ally of President Donald Trump and played a significant role in the Republican Party. He was speaking at a debate hosted by his non-profit political organization, where he discussed the rise in gun violence just before the shooting occurred.
The news of Kirk’s death was announced on social media by Trump, who praised him as “great and even legendary.” Later that evening, Trump released a recorded video from the White House, calling Kirk a “martyr for truth and freedom,” and he attributed the killing to the rhetoric of the “radical left.”
The identity of the shooter remains unknown. The assailant was reported to have worn dark clothing and fired from a rooftop in a distant building. Governor Spencer Cox vowed that once the shooter is apprehended, they would be held accountable in a state that has the death penalty.
Kirk, who was only 31 years old, leaves behind his wife and two young children. Former President Barack Obama commented on the tragedy, stating, “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.” He expressed his condolences and said he would be praying for Ms. Kirk and her children.
