Charlie Kirk’s assassination: what we know
Photo via Getty Images
Flyer News Staff
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon.
President Donald Trump announced the death on Truth Social, writing, “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 also gave his sympathies to Kirk’s family.
Campus police are still investigating the incident, and a suspect is now in custody. The police originally arrested someone, but they were released and are no longer considered a suspect. Kirk was about 20 minutes into his event when a shot was fired from a nearby building and struck Kirk in the neck.
Kirk is known for his on-the-street style debates at college campuses around the country. He became very popular this previous election season, appearing on many popular YouTube channels and having prominent political figures on his podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show.
Political figures from both sides of the aisle have spoken up against the attack. Former President Joe Biden posted on X, “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
Former President Barack Obama added on X, “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
University of Dayton TPUSA President and Secretary of University of Dayton College Republicans, Ashley Mayr, released the following statement to Flyer News: “Our Turning Point USA Chapter at the University of Dayton is heartbroken at the loss of our fearless leader, Charlie Kirk. Charlie has greatly impacted all of our lives, and we will forever be grateful. We pray that God will comfort Charlie’s family in this dark time. We will continue to carry on Charlie’s legacy and hope to make him proud in Heaven.”
Editor’s Note: Since the posting of this article, authorities have released the “subject in custody” after interrogations.