American conservative activist and political commentator Charlie Kirk was shot dead by a gunman on Wednesday while he was addressing a crowd at Utah Valley University.
Kirk was taken to hospital in critical condition. US President Donald Trump later announced in a post on Truth Social that Kirk had died.
"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. 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!" he wrote.
FBI Director Kash Patel later announced that the suspect in the murder was in custody, but he subsequently announced that the suspect was released.
"The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency," he wrote on X.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox commented on the murder and said, "I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination."
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the Turning Point USA founder and CEO was answering a question about mass shootings when the gunfire was heard.
Attendees ran for cover, while multiple witnesses said they saw Kirk bleeding.
“We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” said Turning Point USA public relations manager Aubrey Laitsch. The organization also confirmed that he was taken to a hospital.
Videos posted online show the activist addressing a large crowd on the Utah Valley University campus. At one point, a single gunshot can be heard, and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck.
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University officials were initially cited as saying that a suspect was taken into custody, but Utah Valley University later clarified that there is no suspect in custody.
"We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition. The suspect is not in custody. Police are still investigating Campus is closed for the rest of the day,” UVU spokesperson Scott Trotter said in a statement.
Kirk, 31, has millions of followers and is the founder of the Turning Point organization. In his many appearances, he has defended Israel’s policies and even confronted Hamas supporters.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency is closely monitoring reports of a shooting involving Kirk, adding: "Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected."
Trump called for prayers, writing on social media: "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. G-d bless him!"
Asked later by The New York Post about Kirk's condition, Trump replied, "He's not doing well. It looks very bad."
He added that Kirk "was a very, very good friend of mine and he was a tremendous person."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the sentiment, writing on X: "Praying for Charlie Kirk."
Netanyahu later paid tribute to Kirk and said, "Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom. A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place."
"We lost an incredible human being. His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk," he added.
Vice President JD Vance responded to reports that Kirk was shot, encouraging others to "say a prayer" for the right-wing activist in a post on X.