Activist Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot; GA Leaders React

Charlie Kirk, co-founder and CEO of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during a college event in Utah, President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post.

Kirk had been speaking at a debate organized by his nonprofit. The appearance was controversial on campus: an online petition urging administrators to block the event drew nearly 1,000 signatures. In response, the university issued a statement last week citing the First Amendment and reaffirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”

The person who shot and killed Kirk on Wednesday in Utah was in custody, FBI Director Kash Patel said around 4:30 p.m. local time. But about two hours later Patel walked back that statement.

The FBI has released the person of interest after an interrogation by law enforcement, Patel said in a post on X. "Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency."

READ MORE:

• Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead In Utah
• Charlie Kirk Shooter In Custody After Conservative Activist Killed In Utah: FBI

Days earlier, Kirk posted on X about the backlash, sharing screenshots of local news coverage of his Utah campus tour with the caption: “What’s going on in Utah?”

The Rev. U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-GA, took to X to criticize political violence.

"The attack on Charlie Kirk this afternoon is awful and deeply appalling," Warnock said. "I’m praying for him and his family. Political violence is NEVER acceptable and we must condemn it in every form."

Shortly after news broke of the shooting, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, used the tragic incident to speak against political violence.

In a Facebook post published Wednesday, he said:

"Tricia and I are lifting Charlie Kirk up in prayer. I pray for his health, strength and comfort as he recovers. At the same time, I want to speak clearly and firmly: political violence has no place in our country. It is un-American, it undermines our democracy and it dishonors the sacrifices of those who came before us. Disagreements should always be settled through debate, elections and the rule of law - not intimidation or violence. We must stand together in rejecting and recommitting ourselves to civility, respect and the principles that make our nation strong."

As a mark of respect, Trump has ordered all flags to fly at half-staff in memory of Kirk until sunset on Sunday, September 14. (Read President Trump's Proclamation)

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff seemed surprise after learning of the Utah shooting.

"I am shocked and horrified by the news Charlie Kirk was shot in Utah and pray for his recovery, as well as the community at Utah Valley University," Ossoff tweeted. "Political violence is unacceptable."

Other reactions from Georgia leaders included:

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican): "I’ve been told Charlie Kirk is alive. Continue praying for Charlie! America saw a miracle after Trump was shot because we as a nation were praying a covering of protection over him before he was ever shot in Butler. America needs to see another miracle from all of us praying for Charlie after what looked unsurvivable. America needs to believe in God. I believe in miracles because I believe in Jesus the son of God. In the name of Jesus please save Charlie Kirk!!"

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (Republican): Please join Amy and me in lifting @charliekirk11 up in prayer."

Meanwhile, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called for all Americans to "pray" for Kirk.

"The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation," Pelosi wrote on X. "All Americans should pray for Charlie Kirk’s recovery and hold the entire UVU community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence."

The university previously confirmed that a “single shot” had been fired and that a suspect was in custody.

Trump and numerous elected officials from both parties condemned the shooting and offered prayers on social media. “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump wrote in an earlier Truth Social post.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.