Trump Says Conservative Activist Dead After Utah University Shooting
conservative Activist Charlie kirk Shot at utah Valley University Event; Dies
OREM, utah – Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University, according to a statement released by former President Donald Trump on Truth Social.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” the former president wrote. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.”
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, a prominent organization dedicated to promoting conservative ideals on college campuses, was addressing a crowd at a rally held on the Utah Valley University (UVU) campus when the incident occurred.
According to UVU spokesperson Scott Trotter,the shooting took place in the quad near the food court on the Orem campus as kirk began speaking. “A single shot rang out… as Mr. Charlie Kirk began speaking at his planned rally,” Trotter stated.
Eyewitness accounts and verified video footage confirm the chaotic scene that unfolded. BBC Verify has authenticated several videos circulating online, showing Kirk speaking for approximately four seconds before a single gunshot is heard. He then appears to jolt backward in his chair, prompting widespread panic and a mass exodus from the area.Jason Chaffetz, a former Utah congressman who witnessed the attack, told Fox News that “everyone hit the deck” and ”scattered” after the gunshot. he added that he had spoken with Kirk shortly before the event began.
According to CBS, the BBC’s US partner, Kirk was discussing gun violence in the US in the moments before he was shot.
The shooting has sent shockwaves across the political landscape, drawing condemnation from figures on both sides of the aisle.
“FBI and ATF agents are on the way. PRAY FOR CHARLIE,” wrote Attorney General Pam bondi.
Health Secretary Robert Kennedy wrote: “We love you Charlie Kirk. Praying for you.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and frequent political opponent of Trump, called the attack “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.” He emphasized, “In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”
The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI and ATF assisting local authorities. The university is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
The loss of Charlie kirk is a tragedy that will undoubtedly spark further debate about political discourse, campus safety, and the pervasive issue of gun violence in America.