Disclaimer: This is a breaking news story, and updates will be provided as they come. This story also contains mentions of gun violence. For more information, tune into the Rocky Mountain Review every Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed today in Utah. Kirk was speaking to a crowd of students and community members today at Utah Valley University. Kirk was the CEO and cofounder of the youth conservative group Turning Point USA. President Donald Trump announced his death on Truth Social today, calling him great and legendary. Kirk died from a gunshot wound to the neck while speaking to the crowd. The 31-year-old activist has been a strong ally for the Republican Party in recent years, following the founding of Turning Point USA in 2012.
Footage online has shown Kirk being struck by the bullet in the neck with large amounts of blood pouring out. Other footage showed Kirk being placed in a car. Kirk was placed in critical condition at a nearby hospital before passing away. The Associated Press reported a person of interest was taken into custody. Former presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama have also denounced the act of violence.
Kirk had a planned visit to Colorado State University to speak to students at CSU and community members of Fort Collins. That event was planned for September 18 and was an open invitation to the community. Kirk had previously spoken on campus in 2018 and 2019. CSU’s chapter of TPUSA has not released a statement on Kirk’s death or the planned event at this time.
Updates to this story will be provided on Thursday during KCSU’s news show, the Rocky Mountain Review, at 4 pm.
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