Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead In Utah

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University, according to President Donald Trump. Video from the event shows Kirk falling from his chair as a shot was fired in his lower neck.

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," Trump said in a Truth Media post. "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!"

The incident occurred at 12:10 p.m. during a Q&A session at Utah Valley University in Orem. Videos circulating online appear to show Kirk recoiling after a shot was heard, with blood pouring from his neck. He is seen discussing gang violence and mass shootings just prior to the attack in the videos.

SEE ALSO: 5 Things To Know About Charlie Kirk

The person who shot and killed Kirk is in custody, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed around 4:30 p.m. local time.

Earlier in the day, the university had initially reported via social media that a suspect was in custody. However, university spokesman Scott Trotter later told the New York Times the person taken into custody was not actually the shooter.

Police officers were going building to building and escorting people off campus, reports the New York Times, citing the university.

"I just got off the phone with President Trump," Utah Governor Spencer Cox said. "Working with the FBI and Utah law enforcement, we will bring to justice the individual responsible for this tragedy."

Trump ordered all American flags throughout the United States lowered to half-mast through 6 p.m. Sunday evening in honor of "a truly Great American Patriot," according to a social media post.

A university spokeswoman, Ellen Treanor, told the New York Times that Kirk was struck about 20 minutes after he began speaking on campus. She said a suspect had fired at Kirk from the Losee Center, a building about 200 yards away.

Kirk, 31, a native of Arlington Heights, graduated from Wheeling High School in 2012. He is the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, an American nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative politics on high school, college, and university campuses, according to the company.

"As a former student of Wheeling High School, Charlie will always remain part of our community," Township High School District 214 said in a statement. "We are deeply saddened by his passing. Violence is never acceptable, and today we mourn his passing."

Wednesday's appearance at Utah Valley University marked the kickoff of Kirk's latest national college tour, titled, "The American Comeback Tour."

Kirk leaves behind a wife, Erika Frantzve, and two young children.

The university announced following the shooting that the campus was closed and that classes would be canceled "until further notice." University officials asked that students "leave campus immediately."

Turning Point was founded in suburban Chicago in 2012 by Kirk, then 18, and William Montgomery, a tea party activist, to proselytize on college campuses for low taxes and limited government. It was not an immediate success.

On the Truth Social Media platform, President Donald Trump wrote earlier in the day, "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot, A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!"

Gov. JB Pritzker called the attack "horrifying" and added, "political violence has no place in this country."

"Charlie Kirk grew up in my district and I am sad to hear that he has been shot," Illinois State Senator Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) said. "Charlie has been fighting for his vision for a better America for years, and is living his dream as a political influencer. This should not happen in our country."

The shooting comes amid a spike in political violence in the United States across all parts of the ideological spectrum, reports the Associated Press. The attacks include the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband at their house in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages, and a fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, who is Jewish, in April. Trump himself was shot during a campaign rally last year.

In the wake of Kirk's death, Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff "at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, September 14, 2025." Trump's proclamation also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until Sept. 14 at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices "and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations."

"I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Charlie Kirk, whose life was senselessly ended earlier today," Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia said. "This loss hits especially close to home as Charlie was born in Arlington Heights and has deep ties to our community. Despite our political differences, there is no place for this type of hatred or violence. We must always remember that we have more in common with one another - than what separates us. My heart goes out to Charlie’s family during this difficult time."

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The Associated Press contributed to this story.