Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a close ally of US President Donald Trump and founder of the youth conservative group Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a campus event in Utah on Tuesday, authorities said. He was 31.
Kirk was taking questions from the audience when a gunshot rang out, striking him as he addressed mass shootings, according to video circulating online. Officials said the shot appeared to have come from a rooftop overlooking the event.
FBI Director Kash Patel said a suspect who was previously detained has since been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Trump, posting on his social media platform, mourned the death of Kirk, calling him “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.” He added, “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.”
Kirk, who launched Turning Point USA at age 18, built the group into a powerful force in conservative politics, known for organizing rallies, conferences, and combative debates on college campuses. He maintained close ties with Trump and his family, often appearing at campaign events and championing the former president’s policies.
Authorities have not identified a suspect, and no arrests have been announced. (Newswire)
BREAKING: Charlie Kirk was just shot at his TPUSA event in Utah!
pic.twitter.com/DStTFUlEKC— World of Statistics (@stats_feed) September 10, 2025