Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot dead at Utah campus event; Trump condemns attack
America has been plunged into shock after the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down during an event at Utah Valley University. The 30-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, a prominent ally of Donald Trump, was killed in what officials are investigating as a political assassination.
In a sombre video message released hours after the attack, president Trump called it a “dark moment for America”, adding he was “filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination”. He described Kirk as “a brave, loyal friend” whose death underscored the violence gripping America’s political climate.
Authorities said the fatal shot appeared to have been fired from a rooftop near the campus venue. Heavily armed officers swept the area through the night, with police dogs and tactical teams searching buildings. The campus was placed on lockdown as terrified students sheltered in place.
Two individuals initially arrested were later released after officials confirmed they had “no ties” to the shooting. The suspect remains at large, and investigators have urged the public to remain vigilant.
The shooting has further inflamed tensions in Utah, with Governor Spencer Cox declaring: “This is a political assassination.” His words echoed the deepening fears that political discourse in the US has tipped into violence.
Kirk had been in Utah as part of his American Comeback Tour, a speaking series designed to rally conservative voters ahead of the 2026 midterms. His visit was controversial even before the shooting. More than 6,000 people signed an online petition demanding his appearance be cancelled, citing his record of inflammatory statements. University officials defended their decision to allow the event, citing a commitment to free speech and intellectual debate.
Eyewitnesses described chaos as shots rang out. One student told reporters: “At first I thought it was firecrackers, but then everyone screamed and dropped to the ground. People were crying, running for cover. It was terrifying.”
Police later confirmed that Kirk was struck once and died from his injuries at the scene. Footage reviewed by investigators suggested the sniper had a clear line of sight from a nearby rooftop.
Kirk rose to prominence in 2012 when, aged just 18, he founded Turning Point USA, a youth-driven conservative organisation that became a key force in Republican politics. He was a regular at Trump rallies and addressed the Republican National Convention in 2020, calling on young Americans to resist Joe Biden and “preserve America as we know it”.
His close relationship with Trump and the president’s family made him a lightning rod for critics. Kirk was frequently accused of spreading misinformation and fostering division, while supporters praised him for galvanising young conservatives.
Tributes poured in from right-wing figures and political allies. Senator JD Vance said Kirk’s death was “a devastating loss for our movement”. Fox News host Tucker Carlson described him as “fearless and uncompromising in the fight for America’s future”.
But the killing also sparked bitter debate. Opponents argued that Kirk’s rhetoric had itself helped to poison America’s political culture. Progressives expressed condolences while warning against further escalation of violence.
The investigation continues as authorities search for the gunman. Police say they are pursuing multiple leads and reviewing extensive video footage from the campus and surrounding area. Officials have not confirmed whether Kirk received prior threats before the event.
For many, the assassination represents a grim milestone in America’s polarised politics. As Trump framed it, Kirk’s killing is not only a personal tragedy but a symbol of a nation struggling to contain its anger and divisions