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Topics: Donald Trump, Gun Crime, News, Truth Social, US News, Utah, Charlie Kirk
Niamh Shackleton
Topics: Donald Trump, Gun Crime, News, Truth Social, US News, Utah, Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA, has been shot at an event at a Utah college.
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.
Somebody has now been taken into custody.
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Campus police said in a tweet, as per BBC News: "Today at about 12:10 a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk. He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating, a suspect is in custody."
Videos online show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogan 'The American Comeback' and 'Prove Me Wrong'.
A single shot rings out and Kirk can be seen reaching for his neck with his right hand. Stunned spectators can be heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away.
Donald Trump has reacted to the news of Kirk's shooting.
He penned on Truth Social: "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!"
JD Vance had commented on the tragic event as well.
"Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father," said the vice president.
Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA, also confirmed that Kirk had indeed been shot and that they were 'praying for Charlie'.
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz was at the event when Kirk was shot. He said in an interview on Fox News Channel that he heard one shot and saw Kirk go back.
"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, but not enough.
"Utah is one of the safest places on the planet," he continued. "And so we just don’t have these types of things."
Elsewhere Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox has publicly condemned the shooting.
"Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life," he said on Twitter, adding: "Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected."