Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot Wednesday afternoon at Utah Valley University while speaking about gun and gang violence as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” Witnesses reported hearing a single loud shot before Kirk collapsed and was rushed away by his security team. Conflicting reports have emerged over a suspect, with early accounts pointing to an elderly man in custody, but university officials later said no one has been detained.<br /><br />Turning Point USA initially confirmed the shooting, but the most significant update came from President Donald Trump, who announced on Truth Social that Kirk had passed away. Lawmakers from both parties quickly condemned the violence, with Utah Senator Mike Lee calling it “a cowardly act of violence.” <br /><br />Kirk, who grew up in the Chicago suburbs and co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two children, as the nation reflects on his influence and the deep political divides in America.
