Utah Governor: Shooting of Trump supporter was ‘political murder’

Charlie Kirk, a prominent American conservative activist and staunch supporter of President Trump, was shot and killed on the 10th while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was 31. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called it a “political assassination.” The shooting occurred around 12:10 p.m. Video released by local media showed Kirk, wearing a white turtleneck, sitting in the center of an outdoor podium when a gunshot rang out. Kirk clutched his neck but did not immediately collapse. Chaotic movements ensued, with people fleeing in all directions. About three hours after Kirk was shot, Trump announced Kirk’s death on social media and offered condolences to his family. He also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide. That afternoon, Cox confirmed at a press conference at Utah Valley University that a suspect reportedly in custody had been released and another “suspect” was in police custody for questioning. FBI officials confirmed the arrest of a suspect but did not release further information. Cox said at the press conference that Kirk’s killing “threatens the foundations of the U.S. Constitution” and highlighted the “divisions” in the country. He reviewed the countless political assassinations and assassination attempts that have taken place since the 2024 presidential election, and said: “Now, I don’t know what can unite the country, what can bridge these rifts, and what can bring Kirk back to life.” Cox said at the end of the press conference: “I beg this country, its leaders and everyone in this country to go home, look in the mirror and ask themselves, where are we and where are we going?” Kirk is a very active American political activist, co-founder of the conservative nonprofit organization “Turning Point USA”, and one of the most influential Internet celebrities among Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement supporters.