By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
CHARLIE Kirk, a prominent American conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, has been assassinated while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University.
The 31-year-old media personality was speaking as part of his “American Comeback Tour” on Wednesday, 10 September, when a single shot, believed to have been fired from a distance, struck him in the neck. Witnesses said the gunfire appeared to come from an elevated position, possibly a rooftop overlooking the outdoor event.
Kirk was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the killing as a “political assassination”, condemning the attack as an assault on democracy.
Authorities confirmed that the shooter remains at large. CCTV footage reportedly shows a suspect dressed in dark clothing fleeing the area. Initial reports that a person of interest had been taken into custody were later dismissed, with FBI Director Kash Patel clarifying that the individual was released after questioning and no charges were filed.
The FBI and Utah state authorities are leading the ongoing investigation, though details about the suspect and possible motive remain scarce.
The assassination has triggered an outpouring of shock and condemnation across the political spectrum. Former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, as well as California Governor Gavin Newsom, condemned the act as political violence. Former President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, confirmed his death on Truth Social and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast nationwide.
The incident has reignited concerns over the rising tide of political violence in the United States, drawing comparisons to recent assassination attempts on Trump and attacks on other high-profile figures.
Social media has reflected the country’s divisions, with expressions of grief alongside speculation and inflammatory rhetoric. Utah Valley University has closed its campus until further notice, while security has been stepped up at political events nationwide, including at today’s 9/11 commemorations in New York.
Charlie Kirk with his family.
The situation remains fluid, and officials have urged the public to rely on verified sources as the investigation continues.
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