Charlie Kirk, Turning Point founder and Trump ally, shot dead in Utah

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(The Center Square) - Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA founder and executive director and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck on Wednesday at a Utah Valley University event, and has been confirmed dead by the White House. 

During an American Comeback Tour, which the Turning Point USA chapter hosted at Utah Valley University, Kirk, 31, was seen shot in the neck in a video posted on X (warning, graphic) with at least hundreds in attendance.  

After the shots were fired, Kirk was transported to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he later died, Commissioner Beau Mason of the Utah Department of Public Safety said during a press conference on Wednesday. 

"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!" Trump posted on X.

In honor of "a truly Great American Patriot," Trump ordered on truth social that "all American Flags throughout the United States be lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6:00 PM."

School authorities indicated that the shots originated about 20 minutes into Kirl's event from the roof of the Losee Center, roughly 200 yards from Kirk.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed that authorities have a person of interest in custody who is being interviewed.

"I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination," Cox stated. "To whoever did this, we will find you. We will try you. And we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law." 

Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, has officially closed its campus and canceled all classes until further notice.

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.” Vice President JD Vance posted to X.

Founded by Kirk in 2012, Turning Point USA advocates for conservative policies on college and university campuses and at high schools. It has chapters on more than 300 campuses nationwide. 

"We should all feel a deep sense of grief and outrage at the terrible violence that took place in Utah today," California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X. "Charlie Kirk's murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones."  

The chair and vice chair of the National Governors Association have released a joint statement responding to this event, calling on leaders to condemn political violence. 

“As Governors, we stand together – Republicans and Democrats – in condemning political violence in every form. The incident today in Utah involving Charlie Kirk is a stark reminder that violence has no place in our democracy, in our states, or in our communities," Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore released in a joint statement. "Our responsibility as Governors is to safeguard public safety and protect the democratic institutions that make America strong. Disagreements must be addressed through dialogue, debate, and the democratic process; not through intimidation or harm."

Because of the shooting, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, canceled a Wednesday evening event with an author and posted a statement on its website.

"We are saddened to hear of events that took place today at Utah Valley University," the library posted. "Our prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family. As a mark of respect, we are cancelling our program and book signing with Ben Shapiro this evening."

This is a developing story and will be updated.