UPDATE: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died after sustaining a gunshot wound to his neck while speaking on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem.
After offering a call for prayer earlier in the afternoon on Wednesday, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to announce Kirk had passed away.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” the president wrote. “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, the co-founder of Turning Point USA and an outspoken advocate for the Gospel and conservative principles, was at UVU for what was scheduled to be the first of several campus visits across the country over the course of the fall semester.
The series of stops was billed as “The American Comeback Tour ft. Charlie Kirk.” He was scheduled to appear at some 14 other events in the coming months.
UVU announced it has closed its campus and cancelled classes “until further notice.”
“UVU campus is closed,” the university stated Wednesday afternoon. “Classes cancelled. Those on campus, secure in place until police officers can escort you safely off campus. We ask for your patience throughout this process. We are providing updates as best as possible. This is an ongoing and unfolding event.”
Despite earlier reports, it appears authorities have not yet apprehended a suspect.
Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children. Please keep them and all of Kirk’s loved ones in your prayers. Pray, too, for the wisdom of law enforcement authorities and officials as they continue investigating this tragic incident.
Continue reading the original report below.
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Well-known podcaster and conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been shot.
A spokesperson for Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, confirmed to Fox News on Wednesday afternoon that he had been shot while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem.
His condition, the representative added, “is unknown.” He has reportedly been hospitalized.
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President Donald Trump released a statement via Truth Social, calling for prayers for Kirk. The president wrote, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Vice President J.D. Vance released a statement, saying, “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
Other top government officials have urged prayers, too.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth wrote, “Prayers for Charlie Kirk. An incredible Christian, American, and human being. May the healing hand of Jesus Christ be upon him.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) added, “Please join us in praying for our good friend, Charlie Kirk.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has hosted Kirk on his podcast, wrote, “The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi noted FBI and ATF agents are “on their way” to UVU, adding, “PRAY FOR CHARLIE.”
Actor Chris Pratt also chimed in, urging his followers to pray for the conservative figure.
“Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country,” wrote Pratt. “We need God’s grace. God help us.”
Graphic footage (viewer warning: the content is extremely disturbing) of the incident began circulating online in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
Multiple reporters present at the UVU event confirmed Kirk sustained a gunshot. Eva Terry, a reporter for Deseret News present at the event, posted on X, “Charlie Kirk was just shot at the UVU event. Here with another reporter. Please send the police.”
According to a campus alert at UVU, a suspect has been apprehended.
“A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker,” read the alert. “Police are investigating now.”
Despite an earlier report from UVU, a university spokesman told Deseret News that there is not a suspect yet in custody.
“The suspect is not in custody,” Scott Trotter said. “Police are still investigating Campus is closed for the rest of the day.”
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