President Donald Trump urged everyone to pray for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was reportedly shot at a Utah Valley University event on Wednesday.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Bystanders reported seeing Kirk shot near his neck during a Q&A with students.
Kirk, 31 and the co-founder of Turning Point USA has reportedly passed away following the deadly shooting.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump posted. “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!
Vice President JD Vance posted on X, “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
A Utah Valley University (UVU) spokesperson told Fox News the suspect that was initially in custody has since been released.
UVU Police are currently investigating in conjunction with the Orem Police Department, Utah Department of Public Safety and the FBI, according to the spokesperson.
“It is with the tremendous sadness and shock that Charlie Kirk, who was invited by the student group TPUSA, was shot at about 12:20 when he began speaking at his planned event on the Utah Valley University Orem Campus,” the school wrote in a statement. “We are asking those still on campus to secure in place until police officers can safely escort them off campus.”
The campus was immediately evacuated and remains closed until further notice. Classes have been cancelled.
