Charlie Kirk, an influential right-wing activist, ally of US President Donald Trump and executive director of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was shot while leading a rally at the University of Utah.

A shot was fired at visiting lecturer Charlie Kirk at approximately 12:10 p.m. today, the university said in a statement.

He was shot and taken from the scene by his security guards, the Guardian reported. 

Trump announced that he had died.

In footage circulating on social media, Kirk is captured speaking in front of a tent on the campus of Utah Valley University.

After the incident, US President Donald Trump spoke out, writing on Truth Social: We should all pray for Charlie Kirk, who was shot. A great guy, God bless him. He later announced that the great, even legendary Charlie Kirk was dead. No one understood or captured the hearts of the young people of the United States better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by everyone, especially me, and now he is no longer with us. My condolences and Melania's to his wonderful wife Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!

A university spokesperson has confirmed that a person detained after a shooting on the campus of Utah Valley University has been released, CBS News reports. The suspect in the shooting of a political activist at Utah Valley University has not yet been arrested, a law enforcement source confirmed to CNN, although the university previously said the person was in custody.

Janša also prayed for him, SDS youth group appalled: This is not just an attack on a young father, it is an attack on everyone who dares to express disagreement with far-left ideology

SDS leader Janez Janša also joined the prayers for the shot Trump ally, writing that he was praying for him.

The SDS youth wing stated: News has just broken that American activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead during an event on one of the American campuses. We are horrified that violence has once again occurred against a young father who fought for conservative values and freedom of speech. How is it possible that the Western world has become so hostile to people who dare to think for themselves today? Don't we live in a democracy that allows for diversity of opinions?? This is not just an attack on a young father, it is an attack on everyone who dares to expose and express disagreement with the current far-left ideology that has begun to take over the West. When the opposing side runs out of arguments, it resorts to violence and this must end immediately!! We sincerely hope that Charlie Kirk did not suffer any worse consequences. We pray for him and his family.