Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, co-founder of youth organization Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University. The incident occurred during Kirk's "Prove Me Wrong" speaking engagement, where he invited audience members to debate political topics.
U.S. President Donald Trump paid tribute to his ally on Truth Social, ordering flags flown at half-mast: "A truly Great American Patriot." Local authorities confirmed the death to Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, while bystander footage showed crowds fleeing after a gunshot struck Kirk in the neck.
University officials stated Kirk was evacuated by security following the 12:10 PM shooting. Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the violence, urging unity: "Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act."
The tragedy coincided with a separate Colorado school shooting that left three critically injured, highlighting ongoing U.S. debates about public safety and political discourse.
