SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Charlie Kirk, a right-wing influencer who previously appeared at San Francisco State University, was shot and killed at an event in Utah Wednesday. Kirk was in Utah to kick off his “The American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University at noon local time.
President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s passing in a post on Truth Social.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump posted. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. 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!”
Initial reports indicated that a suspect in the shooting was taken into custody. However, officials later said the initial reports of a suspect in custody proved false.
In a subsequent update, law enforcement officials said a suspect has now been taken into custody. But a subsequent update made it unclear whether a suspect had indeed been taken into custody.
Kirk was on the UVU campus in Orem, Utah and expected to host his familiar “prove me wrong” table, as he did at SFSU, when the shooting occurred. Turning Point USA, the right-wing organization Kirk founded, confirmed the shooting to the Associated Press.
Utah Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) tweeted that he was “tracking the situation” at the university.
“Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there,” the senator tweeted.
According to a report in the Deseret News, Kirk, who is CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom took to X to condemn the attack, calling it “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
“In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,” the governor tweeted.
Kirk was previously a guest on the inaugural episode of Newsom’s podcast.
“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk,” tweeted Vice President JD Vance, “a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said he was being briefed by law enforcement on the incident and would continue to share updates.
“Those responsible will be held accountable,” the governor tweeted. “Violence has no place in our public life.”
“I’m horrified by the attack on Charlie Kirk,” tweeted San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, “political violence is never acceptable. We must condemn it in the strongest possible ways for the sake of our democracy. Praying for Charlie and his family.”
Former Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris tweeted that she was “deeply disturbed by the shooting.”
“Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family,” Harris tweeted. “Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.”
“The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible,” tweeted Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. “Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation. All Americans should pray for Charlie Kirk’s recovery and hold the entire UVU community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence.”
“There is no place in our country for this kind of violence,” tweeted former President Joe Biden. “It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
Former President Barack Obama also weighed in saying, “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erike and their two young children.”
Charlie Kirk was 31 and leaves behind a wife and two children. President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff following news of Kirk’s death.
Kirk appeared with anti-trans athlete activist Riley Gaines at an event at SFSU back in May.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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