UPDATE: 10 SEPT, 5:09 PM EST: Donald Trump has confirmed the death of Charlie Kirk via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. The post read, 'The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!'
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, is fighting for his life after being shot in the neck during a campus event in Utah. The conservative commentator was speaking to students at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday when a gunman opened fire, sending shockwaves across political and student communities alike.
READ MORE: 10 Photos Of Charlie Kirk's Wife, Erika Frantzve, and Quick Facts about Their Family
Chaos At Utah Valley University
According to officials, the single shot was fired from the top of the Losee Center, roughly 200 feet from the stage where Kirk was seated. Horrific footage circulating on social media shows Kirk's neck snapping back as blood poured from the wound before he collapsed.
Police initially detained a man, but later confirmed he was not the shooter. The university evacuated its campus and cancelled classes for the remainder of the day. Five surrounding schools were also placed on lockdown.
Witness Sophie Anderson told the Daily Mail that she was just 100 feet from the stage when the shot rang out. 'The second it happened, I knew it was a gunshot. He was shot in the neck and just fell over and he was just a fountain of blood. They carried him off. All these kids are just falling apart and bawling,' she said.
Shock And Tributes Across The Political Spectrum
Kirk was rushed to hospital where doctors are working to stabilise him. A source close to the situation told the Daily Mail that his condition 'doesn't look good'.
Tributes quickly poured in. Former President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!'
Vice President JD Vance also appealed for support: 'Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.'
Conservative commentator Candace Owens urged followers: 'Everyone please stop what you are doing and pray for Charlie Kirk. Please.'
Notably, even Democrats voiced solidarity. California governor Gavin Newsom condemned the attack, calling it 'disgusting, vile, and reprehensible', stressing that political violence must be rejected in all its forms.
The Shooting And Its Aftermath
Images and videos from the scene show students fleeing in panic as the shot rang out. Kirk, who had just minutes earlier posted on X: 'Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour,' was struck down before he could continue his speech.
Turning Point USA confirmed the incident, telling the Daily Caller: 'We are in the process of confirming reports that Charlie Kirk was shot. He is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time.'
According to Fox affiliate KUTV, Utah Senator Mike Lee said he was 'tracking the situation closely' while Governor Spencer Cox promised those responsible 'will be held fully accountable'. FBI Director Kash Patel added: 'Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.'
