Utah, United States – Conservative activist and commentator Charlie Kirk was shot dead on Wednesday (September 10) while speaking at Utah Valley University.
The 31-year old right-wing and Trump supporter was speaking to around 3,000 people outdoors during his campus event when a gunshot was fired.
Video circulating online shows him collapsing from his chair as the audience scrambled for safety.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) believes the shooting was a targeted attack, with the shot fired from a rooftop at a significant distance.
Meanwhile, the Utah Department of Public Safety said the suspect in the fatal shooting has not yet been found and debunked reports that someone is already in custody.
However, an initial report is believed that the suspect have been dressed in dark clothing, according to footage from a campus closed-circuit TV.
With this, an ongoing investigation is still at large.
The university announced on X that campuses will be closed from September 11-14, delaying all school activities.
Kirk, with millions of followers in social media, co-founded Turning Point USA at just 18 years old, building it into the largest conservative youth movement in the country.
He was known for fiery speeches, combative campus debates, and outspoken yet controversial positions on issues like immigration, race, and gun rights.
At one point, Kirk publicly said that the loss of life from shootings was an acceptable price to pay to preserve Americans’ second amendment or the right to bear arms.
On the other hand, President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff nationwide, calling Kirk “great, even legendary,” and crediting him with inspiring America’s youth.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the attack.
Meanwhile, ongoing clashes online show fellow conservatives are blaming liberals for fueling the hostility, while Democrats are condemning the violence and renewing calls for stronger gun laws.
Kirk leaves behind his wife and two young children.