A powerful right-wing activist and ally of President Donald Trump was shot Wednesday while speaking to students at a Utah university. Charlie Kirk, executive director of Turning Point (TPUSA), was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University when he was shot, apparently in the neck. He died shortly afterward in the hospital, confirmed Real American Voice, the station where his podcast aired.

The suspect in Kirk's fatal shooting is in custody, FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media. He was taken into police custody.

There are videos showing the moment, and then Kirk, sitting, being treated. There are also images of students on campus fleeing the sound of gunfire.

At 31, Kirk is one of the most influential figures among American conservatives and was instrumental in Trump's electoral victory. Founder and CEO of Turning Point, a powerful youth organization with representation at more than 3,500 universities in the country, Kirk hosts a popular podcast known for promoting debates at college campuses.

A Utah Valley University police spokesperson said,"What we currently know is that Charlie Kirk was about 20 minutes into his presentation when we heard gunshots coming from a nearby building, and as far as we know, he was struck and taken with his security detail off campus, and the courtyard was cleared."

The news immediately impacted the White House. Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social:"We should all pray for Charlie Kirk, who was shot. A great guy through and through. GOD BLESS!"

Vice President JD Vance tweeted,"Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and young father." Those sentiments were echoed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: "Prayers for Charlie Kirk. An incredible Christian, American, and human being. May the healing hand of Jesus Christ be upon him."

Charlie Kirk and his political organization, Turning Point USA, were key to Trump's 2024 victory, and the president has publicly credited Kirk for mobilizing and uniting the youth vote, which was instrumental in his November election victory.

Kirk cultivated close ties with the president and his family during Trump's first term, and helped him with his campaign. The Republican was always grateful for this. He recently appeared in the Oval Office in May, attending the swearing-in ceremony of a female judge. And Trump had nothing but praise for Kirk.

"I won the young people by 37%. No Republican has ever won and I won by 37%. And Charlie Kirk will tell you TikTok helped, but Charlie Kirk helped too,"Trump said then.

He continued:"He's just here. Look at him. He loves us mentioning that name, doesn't he, Charlie? He's done really well, and I appreciate all the help."

Kirk was performing in Utah as part of The American Comeback Tour, which is organized by the Utah Valley chapter of TPUSA.

The attack came amid a surge in politically related violence in recent years.

In July 2024, Trump was grazed by a gunman's bullet during a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania. A second assassination attempt in Florida, two months later, was thwarted by federal agents.

In April, an arsonist broke into the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and set it on fire while the family was inside.

The attack on Kirk immediately sparked outrage across the political spectrum. Utah Governor Spencer Cox posted on X that he would"continue to share updates" and that "those responsible will be held fully 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," he wrote.

Charlie Kirk, the Trump activist, at the event where he was shot in the neck.

Mike Lee, a senator from Utah, posted on X shortly after reports broke that Kirk had been shot to say that he is"closely monitoring the situation at Utah Valley University." Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.

Ashley Moody, another Utah senator, also posted to say that her"office is monitoring the situation at Utah Valley University. My prayers are with Charlie Kirk, the students, and this nation."

Charlie Kirk, the Trump activist, at the event where he was shot in the neck.

The shooting was swiftly condemned by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who said that"the attack on Charlie Kirk" was "repugnant, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in ALL its forms."

Shortly before the shots rang out, Kirk tweeted:"WE. ARE. So. BACK. Utah Valley University is ON and READY for the first stop of the American Comeback Tour."