US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk has died after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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!”
The White House later confirmed that Trump has directed all American flags nationwide to be flown at half-mast in Kirk’s honor. “In honor of Charlie Kirk, President Trump is ordering all American flags throughout the U.S. to be lowered to Half Mast,” it said in a statement posted on X.
According to The New York Times, the fatal shooting occurred while Kirk was responding to a student’s question about mass shootings. Witnesses reported chaos as gunfire erupted inside the campus.
Utah Valley University officials said that no suspect is currently in custody and the case remains under active investigation. University spokesperson Ellen Treanor confirmed that multiple agencies, including the Orem Police Department, Utah Valley University Police, the FBI, and the Utah Department of Public Safety, are involved in the probe.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was widely known for his outspoken conservative activism and youth outreach efforts. His death has drawn widespread shock and tributes from political leaders across the country.