American commentator Charlie Kirk died this Wednesday at the age of 41 after being shot in the neck while participating in an event at a university in Orem, Utah.
US President Donald Trump announced the death: “The great, even legendary, Charlie Kirk has passed away. No one understood or had the hearts of America’s youth better than Charlie,” he said.
“He was loved and admired by all, especially by me, and now he is no longer with us,” he lamented through a message on his Truth Social profile, where he expressed his condolences to the commentator’s family.
Utah Valley University, where the incident took place, reported through its profile on the social network X that a suspect has been arrested following the shooting and that the police are investigating.
However, it is unknown whether the person who carried out the attack is the one who has been arrested, as the school has closed its doors and canceled classes, while asking those on campus to remain in a safe place until police can escort them off.
“Police are scouring buildings to escort individuals off campus. Roads leading to campus are closed,” a statement read.
FBI Director Kash Patel said they are “closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving” Kirk at Utah Valley University. “Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and all those affected,” he said.
He also stated through his X profile that agents will arrive on the scene “quickly” and that the FBI “fully supports the response and the ongoing investigation.”
Kirk, one of the most prominent conservative media personalities in the United States, has millions of followers and founded Turning Point USA in 2012, an organization that advocates for conservative policies in high schools and colleges.
