Charlie Kirk, Turning Point founder and Trump ally, shot dead in Utah

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(The Center Square) - Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA founder and executive director and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck on Wednesday at a Utah Valley University event, and has been confirmed dead by the White House. 

During an American Comeback Tour, which the Turning Point USA chapter hosted at Utah Valley University, Kirk, 31, was seen shot in the neck in a video posted on X (warning, graphic) with at least hundreds in attendance.  

After the shots were fired, there is video footage seen of students on campus running away from the sound of gunshots.

"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!" Trump posted on X.

School authorities indicated that the shots originated from the roof of the Losee Center, roughly 200 yards from Kirk.

The gunfire happened 20 minutes into Kirk’s event. The person who was taken into custody has been released, according to a UVU spokeswoman, Ellen Treanor.

Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, has officially closed its campus and canceled all classes until further notice.

In a post on X, the university urged all individuals to leave campus immediately and comply with police instructions as the investigation continues, Newsweek reported.

“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” Vice President JD Vance posted to X.

“Tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there,” U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted on X.

Founded by Kirk in 2012, Turning Point USA advocates for conservative policies on college and university campuses and at high schools. It has chapters on more than 300 campuses nationwide. 

"The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form," California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X.

The Chair and Vice Chair of the National Governors Association have released a joint statement responding to this event, calling on leaders to condemn political violence. 

“As Governors, we stand together – Republicans and Democrats – in condemning political violence in every form. The incident today in Utah involving Charlie Kirk is a stark reminder that violence has no place in our democracy, in our states, or in our communities," Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Maryland Governor Wes Moore released in a joint statement. "Our responsibility as Governors is to safeguard public safety and protect the democratic institutions that make America strong. Disagreements must be addressed through dialogue, debate, and the democratic process; not through intimidation or harm."

Because of the shooting, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, canceled a Wednesday evening event with an author and posted a statement on its website.

"We are saddened to hear of events that took place today at Utah Valley University," the library posted. "Our prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family. As a mark of respect, we are cancelling our program and book signing with Ben Shapiro this evening."

This is a developing story and will be updated.