Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. A suspect is not in custody, and a motive is unknown.
HOUSTON — Texas leaders took to social media to express their condolences after Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was assassinated at an event at a Utah college on Wednesday.
Kirk was rushed to a nearby hospital after he was shot, but later died. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.
College officials said at least one shot was fired and a suspect was in custody. CBS News later reported that the suspect had been released.
Kirk, 31, was attending an event at the Sorensen Center courtyard on the Utah Valley University campus when he was shot in the neck. While it’s unclear what level of screening took place for participants at the event, one witness said there was no security checkpoint to enter the area where Kirk was speaking.
Kirk was sitting on a table and speaking into a handheld microphone when witnesses said they heard at least one gunshot and saw Kirk grab at his neck. Spectators screamed, and some ran away.
“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,” UVU posted on social media.
The FBI was at the scene investigating, and the college campus closed for the remainder of the day.
Kirk visited Texas A&M University earlier this year. He played a key role in President Donald Trump’s selection of J.D. Vance as vice president. He was also an advisor to Trump for the selection of his cabinet members.
After news of the shooting started coming out, Texas leaders posted messages on social media.
Attorney General Ken Paxton
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
Sen. Ted Cruz
Cruz issued this statement: “Heidi and I are devastated and heartbroken. Charlie Kirk’s murder was an act of unspeakable evil. Charlie was a close friend; we first met when he was just 18, and Turning Point was a nascent idea. Charlie was courageous, brilliant, compassionate, and powerfully honest. He was a strong Christian who boldly proclaimed the Gospel. Charlie loved our country deeply, and we will forever remember him and honor his legacy. Heidi and I are praying for his wife Erika and their two young children, and all of his family and loved ones. May God’s comfort and love be upon them. May Charlie rest in peace, and may he forever rest in the loving embrace of the Lord.”