Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot Wednesday while speaking at an event at a Utah college, officials said.
A “person of interest” was in custody Wednesday evening, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said, though no charges were immediately announced.
Videos posted to social media show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone at Utah Valley University in Sorensen Center courtyard, sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans, “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.”
A single shot rings out and Kirk reaches up with his hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators gasp and scream. Some run away.
The shooting quickly drew reaction from leading political figures, including some victims of political violence.
Democrats in Congress mourn Kirk
Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan appeared visibly upset while speaking to reporters on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. She said that she cried when she found out that Kirk had died.
“All of us have got to work together and deescalate the heat and the rhetoric in this country, she said. Dingell added: “And remember we’re Americans, and you can disagree in a way that doesn’t end in the horrible way today did.”
Rep. Jamie Raskin expressed condolences to Kirk’s family, adding, “What a nightmare this whole thing is.”
“It’s a very dark time with the political violence spiraling out of control and gun violence a threat to everybody,” Raskin continued.
Kirk backers leave flowers at Turning Point headquarters
The flags outside Turning Point USA’s Phoenix headquarters have been lowered to half staff.
Bouquets of flowers delivered by well-wishers are piling up by the main door to one of at least three buildings that make up Turning Point’s campus. The organization’s presence has grown steadily in a quiet neighborhood at the base of South Mountain park.
Former President George W. Bush says violence must be ‘purged from the public square’
Bush lamented the killing and said “an open exchange of opposing ideas should be sacrosanct” on a college campus, where Kirk was shot.
In his statement, Bush added: “Members of other political parties are not our enemies; they are our fellow citizens.”
The Republican ex-president closed the statement by asking God to bless Kirk and his family and “guide America toward civility.”
Another former president, Democrat Bill Clinton, wrote on X that he was saddened and angered by the killing, adding he hoped “we all go through some serious introspection” and “redouble our efforts to engage in debate passionately, yet peacefully.”
Kirk follower says he went to Turning Point USA’s headquarters to give large donation in person
Retiree Alex Lane said news of Kirk’s killing prompted him to head to the organization’s Phoenix headquarters and hand the organization a $10,000 check.
“I hope and trust that they’re going to continue with the message that he had,” Lane, 54, told The Associated Press while standing outside the headquarters. Lane said he was a follower of Kirk’s and had given to Turning Point before, but never such a large sum.
“It’s a huge loss, there’s no question about it,” Lane said. “But I think the important thing for people to understand is that (Kirk’s message) is going to continue. The assassin didn’t stop it. If anything, I think it will bring more attention to his message.”
Lawmakers reflect on Kirk’s influence
Multiple Republicans in Congress knew Kirk personally and were devastated by his death.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida spoke on the Capitol steps, reflecting on his influence on her political journey. Luna said she was planning to go to medical school before Kirk recruited her to work as his national Hispanic outreach director. She attended events where Kirk debated students, like the one he hosted today.
“That conversation needs to happen,” Luna said. “You can’t squelch that.”
One of the final posts on X by Charlie Kirk focused on the Ukrainian refugee who lost her life on a train in Charlotte in a bizarre random attack: