The prominent conservative activist was killed during a public debate at a university campus in Utah
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. The 31-year-old was struck by a single rifle round while speaking on stage to hundreds of students.
The suspected gunman fired from a rooftop on the Orem campus before fleeing the scene. Despite initial reports of a person in custody, the FBI later confirmed that a “subject of interest” had been released after questioning, and the attacker remains at large.
Kirk, founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was widely known for his campus debates with progressive students and for his close alliance with President Donald Trump. His killing has triggered a wave of political reactions, with Democrats condemning “political violence” and Republicans blaming what they describe as hostile left-wing rhetoric.