Activist Charlie Kirk shot at during university event
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been shot at during an event at Utah Valley University.
The Donald Trump ally runs the conservative student group Turning Point USA and was at the school in Utah as part of The American Comeback Tour. He is known for holding these open-air debates on university campuses across the states.
Utah Valley University released a statement to say a 'single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker'.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot.
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"A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!"
The FBI is 'closely monitoring' reports of the shooting, as director Kash Patel wrote on X: "Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected.
"Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation."
Vice President JD Vance also said on X: "Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father," as Pete Hegseth put: "Prayers for Charlie Kirk. An incredible Christian, American, and human being. May the healing hand of Jesus Christ be upon him."
Campus police have now shared an update on X that a suspect is in custody.
"Today at about 12:10 a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk. He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating, a suspect is in custody," it said.
The senior director at the university, Scott Trotter told the BBC that at 12:15 local time: "A single shot rang out in the quad near the food court on the Utah Valley University Orem Campus as Mr. Charlie Kirk began speaking at his planned rally."
Trotter added: "We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition."
California Governor Gavin Newsom shared in the shock of the shooting as he wrote on X: "The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form."
The Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr. also wrote: "We love you Charlie Kirk. Praying for you."
And House Speaker Mike Johnson said: "Please join us in praying for our good friend, Charlie Kirk."
Videos circulating online show students crowded around a tent printed with the words 'PROVE ME WRONG' and 'THE AMERICAN COMEBACK' with Kirk underneath. As he is speaking, a loud bang can be heard and students can be seen running.
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Charlie Kirk
Jess Battison