Featured Image Credit: The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty
Topics: Charlie Kirk, US News, Gun Crime
Callum Jones
Topics: Charlie Kirk, US News, Gun Crime
A haunting tweet from Charlie Kirk has resurfaced after the political influencer was shot dead at a debating event in Utah.
Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University on Wednesday (September 10) while hosting a debate with his Turning Point USA brand.
The activist was just 20 minutes into his presentation when shots were fired. 3,000 people were said to be in the crowd.
In horrific videos taken at the scene, Kirk could be seen recoiling in his chair before the crowd started running. Plenty of eyewitnesses recalled the incident as well.
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Emma Pitts, a reporter from Deseret News, who was in attendance at the debate in Utah, told the BBC: "We all dropped to the ground, and I want to say we sat like that for about 30 to 45 seconds, and then everyone around us got up and started running."
Amid the horrific tragedy, a tweet by Kirk from 2014 has resurfaced which read: "Did I just get shot by an AR-15? Feels like it."
The AR-15 semi-automatic rifle is one of the most popular in the US, with reports saying 25 million are in the hands of civilians.
The weapon has been vilified as the weapon of choice for mass shooters in the States.
Authorities are yet to confirm the weapon used in the attack on Kirk.
It was Donald Trump, an ally of Kirk, who announced the far-right commentator had died.
On Truth Social, the president 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.
"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!"
The Republican president ultimately ordered flags to be flown at half mast across the US in light of the news.
"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," he added on social media.
Trump's former presidential opponent, Kamala Harris, was among those to pay their respects.
She wrote on X: "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."