Charlie Kirk Dies at 31 After Being Shot at Campus Appearance

Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and Turning Point USA cofounder who helped mobiize the youth vote for Donald Trump, has died Wednesday after being shot during a college event in Utah, Trump announced on Truth Social. Kirk was 31.

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote on Wednesday afternoon. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the Unitd 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!”

Andrew Kolvet, a spokesman for Kirk, confirmed his death to The New York Times.

Kirk was attacked at about 12:10 p.m. while speaking with Utah Valley University students on his “American Comeback Tour.” A bullet penetrated his neck as he was answering a student’s question about mass shooters. He was immediately rushed to the hospital by his security. An initial suspect was put in handcuffs but later released, as police continue to look for the shooter. Graphic videos of the shooting circulated on social media as Republicans and Democrats shared prayers for Kirk on social media.