11.09.2025 09:43
A political activist known for his pro-Trump views, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed at a university event in the United States. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the suspect who was taken into custody following the armed attack on Charlie Kirk, who was close to Trump, was released after being questioned, and that the investigation is ongoing.
Conservative commentator and political activist Charlie Kirk, a supporter of President Donald Trump in the U.S., was shot at an event at Utah Valley University. Kirk, who was shot in the neck, received first aid at the scene and was then taken to the hospital. Authorities announced that the activist underwent surgery, but the intervention was not sufficient. After the attack, President Donald Trump, who called for prayers for Kirk, announced that his supporter had passed away.
SHOT WHILE DEFENDING GUN RIGHTS
Kirk had been asked a question regarding the increasing gun violence, and as a proponent of individual gun ownership, he had just finished his response to the question. Shortly after, a single gunshot was heard. According to officials, the gun was fired from about 200 meters away from the university building's roof.
SUSPECT IN CUSTODY RELEASED
FBI Director Patel made a new statement regarding Kirk's murder on the social media platform of the U.S.-based X company.
Previously, Patel had announced that a suspect had been taken into custody in connection with the attack, but in his new statement, he mentioned that the suspect was released after being questioned and that investigations and search efforts were ongoing to capture the perpetrator.
"A DARK DAY FOR AMERICA"
Meanwhile, President Trump expressed his sorrow over Kirk's murder in a video message.
In his message, Trump stated, "I am filled with sadness and anger over the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Today is a dark day for America." He noted that the famous activist had inspired millions of young Americans.
Describing Kirk as a great patriot, President Trump extended his condolences to the entire American public.
Trump argued that "radical left" groups in the U.S. have "demonized" Republican activists like Kirk, leading to such incidents of political violence, and he characterized this event in the U.S. as "terrorism."
Trump emphasized that he would continue to fight against everyone and every group responsible for the increasing "political violence of the radical left" in America.
In a statement made on his Truth Social account, President Trump announced that he had ordered flags across the country to be flown at half-mast until the evening of September 14 following Kirk's death.
UTAH GOVERNOR EMPHASIZES "POLITICAL ASSASSINATION"
Utah Governor Spencer Cox and state officials held a press conference to provide updates on the investigation into the shooting that Kirk suffered. Cox stated that he had been in constant communication with FBI Director Kash Patel and Trump after the incident and that they were working in complete harmony. Emphasizing that it was a tragic day for the U.S., Cox said, "I want to make it clear that this is a political assassination." One of the officials speaking at the same press conference mentioned that the shooter was "dressed entirely in dark clothing" and that the shots likely came "from a roof."
WHAT HAPPENED?
In Utah, known for the strong support of President Donald Trump, activist and social media phenomenon Kirk, who is particularly popular among young people, was shot during an event he attended at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon local time. While Kirk was speaking in an open area, he became the target of a bullet whose origin was unclear.
Shortly after the attack, Trump announced on his Truth Social account that Kirk had passed away. Some reports in the U.S. media indicated that a suspect had been taken into custody, but it was soon clarified that the individual was not the suspect in the incident.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, a non-profit organization aimed at spreading conservative ideas among students on U.S. university campuses, had 5.2 million followers on the U.S.-based X social media platform and 7.3 million followers on the China-based TikTok platform.
Kirk was known for his contribution to Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election, thanks to his popularity among young people.
Active in Republican conservative circles in the U.S., Kirk was also recognized for his strong support for Israel.
In his statement regarding the attack, Trump said, "The great and even legendary Charlie Kirk has died. No one understood or had the heart of America's youth better than Charlie. Charlie, we love you."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also stated that he was "praying" for the activist in response to the news of Kirk's attack.