Conservative activist and close Trump ally Charlie Kirk has been killed in a shocking shooting while addressing students at Utah Valley University.
The 30 year old founder of Turning Point USA was struck in the neck by a bullet fired from a rooftop during an outdoor student-organized event. Despite being rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, doctors pronounced him dead a few hours later.
The President confirmed the news and paid tribute to Kirk in an emotional post on Truth Social.
"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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!"
Later, Trump released a video statement blaming the "radical left" for the killing, accusing them of demonizing conservative figures like Kirk. He vowed justice, saying those behind the attack would be "punished to the fullest extent."
<h3 data-start="1837" data-end="1872">Police Investigation Underway</h3>
Authorities said the attack remains an "active and ongoing investigation." The Utah Department of Public Safety confirmed the suspected shooter fired from the roof of a nearby building overlooking the student courtyard, where around 3,000 people had gathered.
Two men were briefly taken into custody, George Zinn and Zachariah Qureshi but both were later released, with no evidence linking them to the shooting. Officials confirmed the FBI, Utah DPS, Utah County Attorney&rsquo;s Office, and local police are coordinating in a joint manhunt for the gunman.
The university has since closed its campus for the rest of the week. Six campus officers and Kirk&rsquo;s private security had been present at the event, but the sniper-style attack caught the crowd off guard.
The death of Charlie Kirk, one of the most visible conservative voices of his generation marks a dramatic escalation in America&rsquo;s deepening political tensions.

Conservative firebrand and Trump ally Charlie Kirk killed in shocking campus shooting

Charlie Kirk Shot Dead at Utah Rally

Conservative firebrand and Trump ally Charlie Kirk killed in shocking campus shooting

September 11, 2025 | 09:19 IST