Trump calls for prayers for Kirk
President Trump posted on Truth Social calling for prayers for Kirk, joining a chorus of leaders asking for prayers for the conservative activist.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Mr. Trump said.
Kirk, who has advised the president on important matters like Cabinet picks, is also a close friend of Donald Trump Jr.
Kirk was speaking at an event for his organization in Utah
Kirk, 31, was participating in an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, as part of Turning Point USA’s “The American Comeback Tour,” according to the group’s website.
Kirk is the founder and CEO of Turning Points USA, a conservative organization for young people. He was hosting a “Prove Me Wrong Table” at the event, where Kirk debates attendees.
More than 6,800 people had signed a petition on Change.org seeking to prevent Kirk from speaking at the university.
What to know about Kirk
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, and the organization aims to “identity, educate, train and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government,” according to its website.
The organization has more than 250,000 student members and has a presence on more than 3,500 high school and college campuses.
Kirk chaired the group Students for Trump in 2020 and has wide reach on social media, with more than 5.2 million followers on X. He also hosts “The Charlie Kirk Show” podcast.
Kirk is tremendously influential among young conservatives and has traveled with Vice President JD Vance. He has also met with President Trump at the White House.
Kirk had posted on X just before he was shot
Minutes before reports that Kirk had been shot, he had posted on X “Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.” The post showed a crowded quad and the tent where he had been speaking.
The X post was deleted following reports of his shooting.
Vance urges prayers for Kirk
In a post on social media, Vice President JD Vance wrote, “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.” Kirk has said he has two children.
Utah Sen. Mike Lee, a Republican, said on social media that he is “tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely.”
“Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there,” he wrote in a post on X.
University says a suspect is in custody
Utah Valley University said in a website alert that a suspect is in custody after a single shot was fired on the campus.
“A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now, suspect in custody,” the post says.
Patel says FBI monitoring shooting at Utah Valley University
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau of “closely monitoring” reports of the shooting at Utah Valley University.
“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,” Patel wrote on social media.
Utah governor condemns violence at Charlie Kirk event at Utah university
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he has been briefed by law enforcement following the “violence directed” at Kirk during his appearance at Utah Valley University.
“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life,” Cox, a Republican, wrote on X. “Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”
