On Wednesday, in Orem, Utah, Charlie Kirk, founder of the non-profit organization Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist, was fatally shot while speaking during an event hosted by TPUSA at Utah Valley University, the first stop on his “American Comeback” Tour.
In a statement posted to Truth Social, President Trump said, “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.”
Similarly, former Vice President Kamala Harris posted on X, “I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family.” She added, “Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.”
Police say the shooter fired from a rooftop overlooking the university courtyard around 12:20 p.m. Kirk was hit in the neck and later died at Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital.
During a press conference covered by CBS News, Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the shooting a “political assassination.” The FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety are leading the investigation.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed during a Friday press conference that the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested late Thursday night.
DSC students shared their thoughts on what the shooting says about free speech and political violence.
“It doesn’t matter what side you’re on, left or right, nothing like that should ever happen to anyone, especially over freedom of speech,” said DSC student Mia McCurley.
Kirk, 31, was known for his open views on cultural issues and limited government. He founded TPUSA in 2012, and the organization now has chapters at hundreds of colleges across the country. A memorial service is being planned by his family.
“If you believe strongly in something, of course you should speak up. That’s the freedom of speech,” said DSC student Lilah Servin. “But it should never get to a point where someone wants to physically harm somebody.”
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson addressed reporters on Capitol Hill on Wednesday in response to the incident. “Political violence has become all too common in American society, and this is not who we are.”