Charlie Kirk, 31, conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University.
The gunfire erupted shortly in the afternoon before a crowd of about 3000 people. Police say a single round likely from a high-powered rifle. The bullet struck Kirk in the neck. He was rushed to a hospital but died from the injury.
Authorities recovered a rifle nearby and believe the shot came from a rooftop of about 200 yards away. The suspect described as a man who appeared college-aged and remains at large.
Utah Governor Spence Cox called the attack a “political assassination.” President Trump praised Kirk as a “Fearless defender of conservative values.”
The killing has renewed concerns over political violence and security at the public event.
Update: 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested Friday, September 12 for the murder of Charlie Kirk.
