Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of former President Donald Trump, was shot Wednesday during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, officials said.
The university reported that a gunman fired at Kirk at about 12:10 p.m. He was struck and quickly evacuated by his security team. Police placed the campus on lockdown and carried out a building-to-building search while escorting students and staff to safety.
University executive Ellen Treanor told NPR the shot appeared to come from a building roughly 200 yards away. Kirk had been invited by a student group to kick off Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour,” a 15-campus speaking series.
Video circulating online shows Kirk clutching his neck and falling after the gunfire, though NPR has not verified the footage. His condition remains unclear.
A spokesperson for Turning Point USA confirmed to the Associated Press that Kirk was shot but offered no further details.
Trump reacted on Truth Social, writing: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
FBI Director Kash Patel said federal agents were on their way to the scene and monitoring the situation.
