WASHINGTON: US right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck on Wednesday (Sep 10) at an event at Utah Valley University and a suspect was taken into custody.
Kirk, 31, was transported to a hospital and underwent surgery, according to a university spokesperson. His condition was unknown. A spokesperson for Kirk, an influential ally of President Donald Trump and co-founder of Turning Point USA, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot,” Trump said on X. “A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Cellphone video clips of the incident circulating on social media showed Kirk, 31, addressing a large outdoor crowd at the campus in Orem, Utah, when a loud crack that sounded like a gunshot rang out. Kirk moved his hand toward his neck as he fell off his chair, sending the attendees running.
In another clip, blood can be seen gushing from Kirk’s neck immediately after the shot. Reuters has not confirmed the authenticity of the videos.
“A shot was fired from a nearby building and we have a suspect in custody,” a university spokesperson told Reuters in an email.
Agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on the scene, Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X.
Kirk and Turning Point, the largest conservative youth organization in the country, played a key role in driving young voter support for Trump in November. His events at college campuses nationwide typically draw large crowds.
