Charlie Kirk dies aged 31 following shooting at debate event in Utah

Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, has died aged 31 after being shot at an event at a Utah college.

Announcing the news, Donald Trump - who described Kirk as a 'very, very good friend' - wrote on Truth Social: "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 is among a number of big names to share their thoughts after the attack against Kirk, with his former presidential opponent, Kamala Harris, also taking to X.

She wrote: "I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family.

"Let me be clear: 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."

Joe Biden wrote on X: "There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones."

Vice President JD Vance also took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and penned: "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord."

Chat show host Piers Morgan also shared a post in which he described the incident as 'disgusting'.

It read: "BREAKING NEWS: Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, 31, has died after being shot at an event in Utah. An appalling assault on free speech and democracy. Charlie always welcomed debate, with anyone. This is disgusting, and heart-breaking. RIP Charlie."

Kirk was attending an event at Utah Valley University when he was reportedly shot on Wednesday (September 10).

The Associated Press was able to confirm that videos circulating on social media of the incident were taken at the Sorensen Centre courtyard on the Utah Valley University campus, where Kirk was speaking.

Charlie Kirk has died aged 31 (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

A university spokesperson has since confirmed an individual who was taken into custody after the shooting has since been released, CBS News reports.

The shooter remains at large.

Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz was at the event where Kirk was shot. He told Fox News Channel about the distressing scene he witnessed.

"It seemed like it was a close shot," Chaffetz said, seemingly shaken as he spoke.

He said there was a light police presence at the event and Kirk had some security on hand.

"Utah is one of the safest places on the planet," he continued. "And so we just don’t have these types of things."

President Trump has ordered flags to be flown at half mast across the US in light of Kirk's death.

"In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M," Trump penned.