By Hanika Kashyap
Charlie Kirk, US President Donald Trump’s major ally, was shot dead at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. The conservative political activist was speaking at a US university when a single bullet was fired at him.
The 31-year-old was seated beneath a white gazebo, addressing a crowd of 3000 people in an outdoor bowl courtyard when the incident happened. His wife, Erika, and their two children were also attending the event. Ironically, his speech centered on gun violence.
At around 12:20 US time, eyewitnesses and video footage captured Kirk recoiling into his chair with visible blood on his neck. He was immediately taken to a hospital but later pronounced dead. The attack has been widely condemned as a political assassination, with both video evidence and witness accounts indicating the shot came from a rooftop.
A massive manhunt is in full force for the suspect. Two people were also arrested within hours of the incident. However, they were later released, stating “no current ties” to the shooting. With an active investigation ongoing, armed police are assigned to leave no stone unturned as part of the search.
Officials confirmed that the shot was fired from the roof of a nearby building where Kirk was speaking. The suspect, believed to be dressed in dark clothing, has not been identified yet. A viral video points to Utah Valley University’s Loose Center building as the possible location of the shooter. A figure on the roof can also be seen in the poor-quality video. The shooter was likely positioned about 130m (142 yards) away from where Kirk was seated.
President Trump was the first to announce Kirk’s death on social media. In the post, he called the right-wing youth activist “Great, and even Legendary.” The republican also called for American flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday evening in Kirk’s honor.