September 11, Thursday: Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, a close friend and ally of US President Donald Trump, was gunned down on Wednesday evening during a live broadcast at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA was answering questions from the audience regarding mass shootings when a single bullet hit him, sending students scrambling for cover and in shock.
Kirk's last words, "Counting or not counting gang violence?" were uttered seconds before he fell to the ground, clutching his neck as blood gushed from his wound. Videos online captured the shocked audience screaming and scattering as panic erupted.
Trump refers to it as an assassination, tributes pour in
Trump, in revealing Kirk's death on Truth Social and X, mourned him as "the Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk." In a subsequent White House video message, as quoted by Al Jazeera, Trump attributed language of the extremist left for inspiring the murder and directed flags nationwide to be dipped in half through Sunday. Melania Trump also expressed sympathy with Kirk's wife, Erika, and their two little children.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the incident as a political assassination and said it was a tragic day for the nation. Witnesses told Al Jazeera that the scene was chaotic, with people panicking and calling their loved ones as police rushed to secure the campus.
Suspect at large as investigation intensifies
Authorities reported that the gunman could have been shooting from a rooftop and had left the area dressed in dark clothing. Utah's Department of Public Safety verified they are examining CCTV footage, with the FBI reporting one individual who had been questioned was released later.
Kirk's untimely death has surprised both admirers and critics with the violent conclusion of a life defined by fiery debates about free speech, religion and conservatism.
