‘Charlie Kirk’ killed in Utah shooting
Vigil held as FBI probes suspected political assassination
Mourners gathered at the Utah State Capitol to hold a vigil for Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist and commentator, who was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University. Supporters expressed their love for Kirk through speeches and songs, highlighting his influence as a key ally of former President Donald Trump.
Authorities had not publicly identified a suspect several hours after the shooting, with reports indicating that no one was in custody. FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned that an unnamed individual had been detained for questioning but was later released.
Cellphone videos captured the moment of the shooting, showing Kirk addressing a large crowd when a gunshot rang out around 12:20 p.m. local time. Witnesses reported seeing Kirk clutch his neck as he fell, with blood visible immediately after the shot. The incident occurred outdoors under a tent, and witnesses suggested the shot originated from a building approximately 180-200 yards away.
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a significant figure in conservative commentary, was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital. Law enforcement is treating the incident as a targeted attack, with Utah’s governor labeling it a “political assassination.”
The shooting has raised alarms about the increasing political violence in the U.S., following previous assassination attempts on political figures, including Trump. Reactions from leaders across the political spectrum have been swift, with President Trump describing Kirk’s death as a “dark moment for America.” Flags have been ordered to fly at half-mast in his honor.
The incident has intensified discussions about the safety of political figures and the growing polarization in American politics. Many are calling for a reassessment of security measures for public events, as concerns about political violence continue to escalate. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine the motive behind the attack and to identify any potential suspects involved.
