A search is still underway to find the person who shot conservative activist and close Donald Trump supporter, Charlie Kirk, who died after being shot on Wednesday, September 10.
The attack happened at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk, 31, the founder of the MAGA youth group Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck and did not survive.
Authorities initially arrested two people, but both have been released. Officials said the suspects had no links to the shooting.
Kirk was visiting Utah Valley University as part of his Comeback Tour, which aims to host political discussions on college campuses.
At the event, he had set up his usual “prove me wrong” table, where he debates controversial topics with students and attendees.
Just before the shooting, Kirk was answering questions about gun violence and mass shootings.
One attendee asked: “Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters in the past decade?”
Kirk, known for his close ties to President Trump, responded: “Too many.”
The questioner then asked about the total number of mass shooters in the United States over the past ten years.
Kirk replied: “Counting or not counting gang violence?”
Moments later, he was shot.
President Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a tribute on Truth Social.
He wrote: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the heart of America’s youth better than Charlie. He was admired by all, especially me. Melania and I send our condolences to his wife Erika and their family. Charlie, we love you!”
In an Oval Office address, Trump expressed that he was “filled with grief and anger.”
“Charlie inspired millions. Tonight, everyone who knew him is shocked and heartbroken,” Trump said.
He criticized “radical left” figures who compared Americans like Kirk to “Nazis and the worst criminals,” claiming this type of rhetoric encourages violence in the country.
Graphic videos from the event showed Kirk being shot, bleeding, and collapsing in front of a stunned audience of students.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Lane Frantzve, and their two young children.
