Conservative American activist Charlie Kirk, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, has been shot dead during a public event at Utah Valley University.
Kirk, 31, co-founded the youth movement Turning Point USA and was regarded as one of the most influential young voices in America’s conservative politics. He was addressing a campus audience on Wednesday when a single gunshot hit him, sparking chaos as attendees fled the scene.
Trump, announcing his death on his social media platform, described Kirk as “legendary” and said he had ordered flags in the US to fly at half-mast in his honour. In a later video address, the president blamed political rhetoric from the “radical left” for fueling violence.
Police in Utah confirmed the shooting was a targeted attack. Videos shared online show Kirk collapsing on stage moments after engaging in an exchange about gun violence with a participant.
Kirk was widely known for his fiery debates on college campuses and for mobilising young voters in support of Trump’s campaigns. His killing adds to a series of politically motivated attacks in the US, including last year’s attempted assassination of Trump.
