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Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk died Wednesday at the age of 31 after being shot at a Utah university. He leaves behind his wife, Erika, and two children.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wrote on X, “I just got off the phone with President Trump. Working with the FBI and Utah law enforcement, we will bring to justice the individual responsible for this tragedy.”
Donald Trump offered his sympathies on Truth Social, saying, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Kirk was the CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and had brought his “American Comeback Tour” to Utah Valley University, where news of his appearance had been met with fierce protest.
A spokesperson for Utah Valley University told MSNBC that Kirk was shot around 1:20 p.m. local time and that they had closed campus for the rest of the day. A university spokesperson later told NBC News that no suspect was in custody, contradicting an earlier statement.
A spokesperson for the Orem Police Department confirmed to MSNBC that they do not have a suspect in custody.
Kirk was known for his viral videos in which he debates students on college campuses on topics like abortion, religion and LGBTQ issues. His account on Instagram has nearly 7 million followers.
“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” the FBI posted on X. “Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
Politicians from around the country responded to the initial news of the shooting with expressions of concern for Kirk and denunciations of political violence.
Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social “we must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said on X that “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted that the attack was “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker expressed his sympathies for Kirk and warned at a press conference that “there are people who are fomenting [political violence] in this country. I think the president’s rhetoric often foments it.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.