Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot during an event at Utah Valley University.
Videos shared on social media shows Kirk sitting under a white canopy, talking when he suddenly falls back as the sound of a loud pop is heard. A spokesperson for Kirk told the Associated Press that he was shot. Kirk’s condition is unknown.
Utah Valley University Police said in an alert that “a single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker,” and that it was investigating the shooting. The department said a suspect was in custody.
Another video on X, shows an older man in handcuffs that witnesses claimed was the alleged gunman. Police have not identified the suspect.
On Tuesday afternoon, President Trump posted a message about the incident on Truth Social.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” he said.
Mike Lee, a Utah senator, posted on X shortly after videos circulated online that he was “tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely.”
“Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there,” he said.
The shooting drew immediate words of support and calls for prayers for Kirk from America’s leading conservative politicians.
“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” Vice President J.D. Vance posted on X.
Leading Democrats also moved swiftly to condemn the attack.
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on X. “In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”
Kirk, a conservative political activist, was in Utah for his “The American Comeback Tour” tour, which began at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
The tour, as many of his events, have drawn both supporters and protesters.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available
