Conservative leader Charlie Kirk, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was killed in an assassination attempt in Utah.
Kirk was shot while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University. According to US media, he was targeted from a building about 200 yards away. Reports said a bullet struck him in the neck. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.
Reacting to the incident, President Trump expressed deep sorrow, calling Kirk a historic figure and one of the most admired voices among young Americans. Trump said no one understood the thoughts of American youth better than Kirk. He described him as a favorite personality of many, including himself, and extended heartfelt condolences to Kirk’s family.
The FBI announced it had arrested a suspect in connection with the attack, though the individual’s identity has not been disclosed. Meanwhile, Utah’s governor condemned the killing as politically motivated and said he remained in close contact with law enforcement agencies. He stressed that violence has no place in America and vowed that those responsible would face justice.
As a mark of mourning, US flags at the White House and other federal buildings will fly at half-mast until Sunday. Russian media reported, citing eyewitnesses, that Kirk was shot while speaking on transgender issues. Kirk, a staunch conservative figure, was widely regarded as one of Trump’s closest allies. He also founded “Turning Point USA” in 2012, a conservative organization dedicated to promoting right-wing ideology on college campuses.