‘Legendary’ conservative activist Charlie Kirk gunned down on stage

International

HE jolted backwards in his chair when a single gunshot cut through the crowd at Utah Valley University, striking conservative activist Charlie Kirk in an attack that has drawn national condemnation.

US President Donald Trump later confirmed Kirk’s death on social media.

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, as quoted by a BBC report.

Kirk, 30, founded Turning Point USA, a prominent conservative student organization, and was a vocal supporter of Trump. He had just begun addressing attendees when the shot rang out.

Videos authenticated by BBC Verify show Kirk seated beneath a tent marked with the slogans “THE AMERICAN COMEBACK” and “PROVE ME WRONG” when the gunfire erupted. Students scattered in panic as Kirk fell back in his chair.

University officials said the gunfire came from the Losee Center, about 200 yards from where the rally was held. A spokesman confirmed that a single shot was fired near the food court as Kirk began his remarks. Footage shows him speaking for only a few seconds before the gunshot. CBS reported that he had been discussing America’s struggle with mass shootings and had just responded to a question about the number of incidents in the last decade when the shot was fired.

Jason Chaffetz, a former Utah congressman who attended the rally, said the gunfire caused the crowd to drop to the ground and scatter. He added that the shot appeared to be aimed directly at Kirk and noted he had spoken with him shortly before the event.

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed federal agents were being deployed to the scene and urged prayers for Kirk. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy expressed support for Kirk’s family, saying he was praying for them. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and frequent political opponent of Trump, called the shooting “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” stressing that political violence must be rejected in all forms.

At the White House, staff members reportedly reacted with shock when news of the shooting broke. One aide exclaimed that Kirk had been shot, prompting audible gasps from colleagues.(MyTVCebu)