Eyewitnesses filmed Charlie Kirk clutching his neck after a gunshot struck him during an event in Utah.
Security rushed the 31-year-old Turning Point USA co-founder from the stage for emergency treatment.
US President Donald Trump later announced Kirk’s death on Wednesday, calling him “great” and “legendary.”
Trump and Officials React to the Tragedy
Trump mourned Kirk in a Truth Social post, praising his passion for America’s youth and offering condolences to his family.
Melania Trump joined the president in sending sympathies to Kirk’s wife Erika and relatives.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox vowed justice for the shooting, while Senator Mike Lee called Kirk an “American patriot.”
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed agents had deployed to lead investigation efforts into the attack.
Shooting Details and Campus Response
The shooting occurred while Kirk answered questions under a tent displaying “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.”
Video shows Kirk bleeding heavily from his neck moments after a single gunshot rang out.
Police arrested a suspect at the scene but later released them, confirming an investigation is ongoing.
The university had defended Kirk’s appearance under free speech protections despite nearly 1,000 petition signatures opposing his presence.
Turning Point’s Rise and Kirk’s Legacy
Kirk co-founded Turning Point in 2012 with Tea Party activist William Montgomery to advocate for limited government.
The group grew steadily, reaching hundreds of thousands across US campuses after gaining conservative financial backing.
Turning Point embraced Donald Trump in 2016, with Kirk serving as aide to Donald Trump Jr. during the election.
Kirk soon became a regular face on television, engaging in culture war debates and promoting Trump’s agenda nationwide.
