(Gray News) - Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative political activist, died after he was shot in the neck at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

The Utah Department of Public Safety said the fatal “targeted attack” occurred during a student-sponsored event with Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA.

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President Donald Trump was one of the first officials to confirm Kirk’s death with a statement in a Truth Social post.

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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!”

EN ESPAÑOL | Muere Charlie Kirk, activista conservador y aliado de Trump tras ser baleado en acto universitario

Utah Valley University officials initially said an individual was detained immediately after the shooting, but it was later determined that he was not the suspect.

Late Wednesday afternoon, FBI Director Kash Patel and other law enforcement officials said a second person suspected in the shooting was taken into custody for questioning before later updating the investigation, saying the individual was eventually released.

Both of those individuals were released with no ties to the shooting. The Utah Department of Public Safety said a manhunt for the shooter was still active, as of late Wednesday night.

State officials believe the shooter fired from a nearby building down to where Kirk was speaking in the student courtyard. An estimated 3,000 people were in attendance at the event, which was staffed by Utah Valley University police officers and Kirk’s security detail.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called Kirk’s killing a “political assassination.”

The university confirmed the shooting in a post on X, writing:

“Today at about 12:10 a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk. He was hit and taken from the location by his security.”

Bystanders told the Deseret News that Kirk was shot during a student-sponsored question-and-answer session with attendants.

Kirk is the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. The organization also confirmed Kirk’s death.

Videos posted to social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.”

A single shot rings out, and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck.

Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away.

Kirk is a well-known gun activist and defender of the Second Amendment.

Immediately before the shooting, Kirk was taking questions for an audience member about mass shootings and gun violence.

“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” an audience members asked. Kirk responded: “Too many.”

The questioner followed up: “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?”

“Counting or not counting gang violence?” Kirk asked.

Then a single shot rang out.

A spokesperson for the university told the New York Times that Kirk was struck by a suspect who had fired from the Losee Center, a building about 200 yards away.

President Donald Trump responded to the shooting, writing in a post on Truth Social:

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”

The White House said Trump has ordered for flags to be flown at half-staff until Sept. 14 in honor of Kirk.

Vice President JD Vance also responded to the shooting, writing in a post on X:

“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”

Kirk, 31, was married and had two children.

Utah Valley University said its campus was closed and all classes were canceled until further notice.

University officials urged students to “leave campus immediately.”

The Utah Department of Public Safety and FBI are leading the investigation with assistance from the Utah County Attorney’s Office, Utah County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments.

The FBI created a digital tip line for anyone with information about the shooting or suspect.

Copyright 2025 Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.