Trump confidant and conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot dead during Utah Valley University event

Charlie Kirk, 31, a conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck on Sep 10 while speaking at an outdoor event held at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

The event was part of Kirk’s “The American Comeback Tour,” during which he was responding to a question about mass shootings and gun violence approximately 20 minutes into his speech.

Video footage shows him speaking under a tent-like booth with slogans “Prove Me Wrong” and “The American Comeback” when a single shot rang out.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes: Kirk was seen holding his neck, blood visible from the wound, and he collapsed shortly after. Audience members screamed and scattered.

After the shooting, he was transported to a hospital and underwent emergency surgery, but later succumbed to his injuries. His death was confirmed publicly by President Donald Trump, who described Kirk as “great, and even legendary.”

Authorities believe the shot may have come from an elevated position on a nearby building, approximately 200 yards away. No suspect is currently in custody. Two individuals had been detained earlier but were released after interrogation. A manhunt is underway.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the incident a “political assassination.” The FBI, state police, and local law enforcement agencies are leading the investigation.

Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk co-founded, confirmed the event and expressed shock at the killing. The university campus was shut down temporarily following the incident.