Charlie Kirk shot and killed during Utah college appearance

Right-wing political commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday during a speaking appearance at Utah Valley University.

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” President Donald Trump posted Wednesday afternoon on his social media platform Truth Social.

“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” the president said. “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!”

Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Kirk-founded Turning Point USA, said, “It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA’s ‘The American Comeback Tour’ campus event” at UVU.

Find full updates at sltrib.com.

Reporting: Emily Anderson Stern
Video: Trevor Christensen
The Salt Lake Tribune