Conservative political leader Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at a Utah college on Sept. 9, as reported by President Donald Trump and the New York Times.
Kirk was an outspoken right-wing media figure and the leader of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth activist organization. Kirk rose to social media prominence in 2012 at just 18, and in the years since, he transformed Turning Point USA into an influential conservative political operation. Kirk was also known for hosting caustic debates and taking a strong conservative stance on abortion rights, climate change, LGBTQ issues, gun control, and other controversial topics.
As gruesome videos of the shooting spread online, President Donald Trump, politicians from across the political spectrum, fans, and critics alike shared messages of thoughts and prayers. On his Truth Social social networking site, the President wrote, "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!"
Soon after, the President announced that Kirk had been killed. "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social, adding, “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us."
Mashable is choosing not to share videos of the shooting, which shows Kirk speaking to a large crowd at a Utah Valley University event. The video shows Kirk responding to a question about mass shootings while sitting underneath a Turning Point USA tent emblazoned with the messages "Prove Me Wrong" and “The American Comeback.” As he speaks, his head suddenly rocks back, and he suffers a grievous neck wound as the crowd panics and runs from the scene.
The New York Times reported that a shooter fired a single shot from a building some 200 yards from Kirk. The Times initially reported that a suspect had been taken into custody at the scene, but later wrote that police have since determined that the individual was not the shooter. NBC News reported that no suspects are in custody at this time, citing a Utah Valley University spokesperson.
Social media users shared videos of an older white man being taken into custody; however, misleading video clips often go viral in the aftermath of a tragedy, and internet sleuths have a history of misidentifying suspects in the aftermath of a shooting.
Major political and public figures shared messages of shock, horror, and sympathy following the shooting.
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This is a developing story and will be updated as new details emerge...
