Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer and key ally of Donald Trump, has died after being shot at a Utah Valley university event.

A gunman in a nearby building shot the conservative firebrand, 31, while he was discussing mass shootings committed by trans people, according to attendees.

Mr Kirk, a married father of two, was taken to hospital but died as a result of his injuries.

Confirming the news on Truth Social, Mr Trump said: “The great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead.” He lauded the conservative influencer for understanding “the heart of the youth in the United States of America” better than anybody else.

He continued: “He was loved and admired by all, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Graphic footage posted online showed the moment Mr Kirk, who was speaking beneath a gazebo in front of a large crowd in an open-air venue, fell back after the sound of a single gunshot.

A person was detained at the scene, but is not the suspected shooter, officials said.