Right-wing conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot during an event at a university in the US state of Utah. He is reportedly in critical condition. US President Donald Trump called for prayers for Kirk.
In the US, influential right-wing conservative activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk was injured by gunfire. According to the FBI, the incident occurred at Utah Valley University in Orem, western Utah. The university said the shooter has been arrested. FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on the X platform that they are supporting the investigation.
The New York Times quoted a university spokeswoman as saying that Kirk was shot on campus about 20 minutes after he began his speech. A suspect fired the shot from the Losee Center, about 200 meters away. He was reportedly arrested. The spokeswoman added that the suspect was not a student.
Videos circulating on social media show Kirk speaking into a microphone under a white tent bearing the words"The American Comeback." Suddenly, a gunshot is heard. Kirk reaches up with his right hand as a large amount of blood spurts from the left side of his neck. Onlookers scream, some run away. The AP news agency was able to verify that the videos were filmed in the courtyard of the Sorensen Center on the campus of Utah Valley University.
Kirk is “a great guy from head to toe,” Trump writes
An investigator briefed on the attack told the AP news agency that Kirk was being treated and was in critical condition. US President Donald Trump called on everyone to pray for Kirk. He wrote on his online service Truth Social that Kirk was"a great guy from head to toe." US Vice President J.D. Vance also asked on the platform X:"Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a really good guy and young father." US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth posted on X: "May the healing hand of Jesus Christ rest upon him."
The 31-year-old Kirk is one of the most well-known right-wing activists in the US and is close to Trump. He has his own podcast,"The Charlie Kirk Show." He founded the youth activist organization Turning Point USA, which targets students.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said he was being informed by authorities about the incident."Those responsible will be held accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of all political persuasions must unite to condemn this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected," said Cox, a Republican.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms."The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, abhorrent, and reprehensible," Newsom wrote on the online service X, representing the Democratic Party."In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in any form."
