Guwahati: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University, former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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!”
Also Read:Donald Trump Signals Fresh Trade Talks with India
Kirk, 31, a staunch Trump ally, was on campus delivering a lecture as part of his national American Comeback Tour when he was shot. A video from the scene showed him struck in the neck, with witnesses reporting heavy blood loss. Authorities confirmed that a single shot was fired.
The shooting created panic, with images showing attendees carrying American flags and wearing “Make America Great Again” hats fleeing the venue. Utah Valley University immediately shut down the campus and cancelled classes “until further notice,” advising students to shelter in place until police escorts were provided.
While one person was taken into custody, the Associated Press reported that the individual was not the suspected shooter. Officials did not clarify whether an active search for the assailant was still underway.
Also Read: Illegal LPG Trade Thrives in Tinsukia
Kirk rose to national prominence as founder of Turning Point USA, which strongly backed Trump’s 2016 campaign. He also served as an aide to Donald Trump Jr.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two children. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
