Conservative Activist and Trump Ally Charlie Kirk Assassinated at US University
Charlie Kirk, a prominent 31-year-old conservative activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. The co-founder of Turning Point USA was reportedly shot in the neck while on stage. The incident, which Utah's governor called a "political assassination," has sent shockwaves through the US, escalating concerns over political violence. A manhunt for the shooter is underway, as President Trump blamed the "radical left" for the killing.
Unpacked:
Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, a group promoting right-wing ideas on college campuses. He became a prominent voice in young Republican politics, closely allied with Donald Trump, and played a significant role in mobilizing the youth vote for the GOP.
Turning Point USA is a conservative youth activist organization founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk. It claims to be the largest of its kind, focusing on grassroots networks in schools and colleges to promote free markets, limited government, and conservative values. The group has influenced youth political engagement, especially among conservatives.
Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck during a public debate at Utah Valley University. The incident is being investigated by police with federal assistance, including the FBI. A manhunt for the shooter is ongoing, but as of now, no suspect has been publicly identified.
Utah's governor called it a 'political assassination' due to Kirk's high-profile political activism. The killing has intensified fears about rising political violence in the US, as partisan tensions have grown and public figures face increasing threats from ideological opponents.