INITIAL INFORMATION | 2:30 p.m.
Charlie Kirk, a republican political activist, was allegedly shot in the neck during “The American Comeback Tour ft. Charlie Kirk” event today at Utah Valley University.
His current condition is unknown. Reporters from Deseret News were covering the event when Kirk appeared to have been shot in the neck.
“A video from the event appears to show Kirk shot in the neck area, then recoil in his seat,” CNN reporters wrote.
The university’s initial alert notified students that the suspect was taken into custody.
“A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now, suspect in custody,” the alert said.
UVU has been evacuated, and information detailing Kirk’s injuries is pending.
An attendee told CBS News she saw “blood pouring out everywhere” and that she saw no security at the event.
UPDATE | 3:10 p.m.
Reports say the suspect shot Kirk from a distance of approximately 200 yards atop a building. The university has clarified that there is no suspect in custody.
Several attendees have since reported that they did not have to pass through security to enter the venue.
UPDATE | 3:20 p.m.
Glenn Beck, a conservative commentator, shared on The Megyn Kelly Show that his daughter was “about 10 feet away and saw everything” in the moments that Kirk was shot. His daughter later confirmed his statement on Instagram.
UPDATE | 3:45 p.m.
President Donald Trump said that Charlie Kirk is dead in a post on Truth Social.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote.
“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife, Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you.”
UPDATE | 4:00 p.m.
Hogan Gidley, former White House deputy press secretary, shared his thoughts live on CBS News regarding Kirk’s passing.
“We were texting just the other day, and I was trying to plan a trip to be with him at Oxford,” Gidley said. “I’m so sad to think of his wife and his children who were left behind due to this tragedy. There’s no place for political violence in this country.”
