Political activist Charlie Kirk killed during Utah event Wednesday
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon, and, as of early Thursday morning, the FBI is actively searching for the suspect.Kirk was kicking off his latest national college tour through his conservative youth organization, Turning Point USA, which attracts thousands of attendees. During the event, Kirk was taking a question from an audience member when he was shot. Authorities rushed him to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.President Donald Trump ordered flags at the White House to be lowered to half-staff. Trump described the incident as a "dark moment for America" and said, "Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror. Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much: the United States of America."Politicians on both sides of the aisle are expressing their grief and sorrow.House Speaker Mike Johnson posted to social media, saying, "Every political leader must loudly and clearly decry this violence."Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement, "Political violence of any kind and against any individual is unacceptable and completely incompatible with American values."Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader John Thune condemned the killing of Kirk.Schumer said, "Political violence has no place in America. This shooting is horrifying, and I’m praying for Charlie Kirk and his family."Former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and Vice Presidents Kamala Harris and Al Gore also voiced their sadness. Kirk was 31 years old and leaves behind his wife and two young children. The FBI is asking anyone with tips related to the shooting to submit them online.Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:
