Topline
Conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, and is reportedly now in critical condition.
Kirk is receiving treatment and is in critical condition after the shooting, a law enforcement source told the Associated Press (Forbes has also reached out to Kirk’s organization Turning Point USA).
Utah Valley University did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Forbes, but confirmed on social media the shooting took place around 12:10 p.m. MDT.
Kirk was “hit and taken from the location by his security,” UVU said after the shooting.
UVU closed its campus and canceled classes after the shooting, instructing students to “leave campus immediately” and “follow police instructions.”
The shooter fired from a campus building about 200 feet away, a spokesperson for the university confirmed to CNN.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a bullet strike Kirk in the neck while speaking before a crowd, while others show people rushing out of a courtyard.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency was “closely monitoring” the situation and that agents would “be on the scene quickly” to support the response.
Kirk was speaking at an event for his “American Comeback Tour,” and his organization was scheduled to host a “Prove Me Wrong Table” session at the Orem, Utah, campus on Wednesday at 12 p.m. MDT (3 p.m. EDT).
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
Trump said in a post, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Vice President JD Vance echoed the president’s call for prayers, calling Kirk a “Genuinely good guy and a young father.” Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, said, “My heart goes out to Charlie, those in attendance, and their families.” Gov. Spencer J. Cox, R-Utah, emphasized “violence has no place in our public life,” adding those responsible for the shooting will be held “fully accountable.” The governor also called for Americans “of every political persuasion” to “unite in condemning this act.” Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted “The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.” Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., wished Kirk a full recovery and said, “It does not matter which side you are on. There is simply no place for political violence in this country.”