Trump condemns ‘heinous assassination’
Donald Trump has condemned the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, describing it as a “heinous assassination” that marks a dark moment for the United States.
Kirk, 31, was shot dead while speaking at a university event in Utah on Wednesday afternoon, prompting an outpouring of grief from political allies and opponents alike.
The US president paid tribute to the conservative figure on his social media platform, hailing him as “great, and even legendary” and “loved and admired by all, especially me.”
In a later video statement, Mr Trump said he was “filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk,” adding that the activist “inspired millions.”
“This is a dark moment for America,” Mr Trump said, while vowing a crackdown on what he called the growing threat of “political violence.”
Investigation and arrests
FBI director Kash Patel confirmed that two people had been taken into custody for questioning over the shooting, though both were later released.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the killing as a “political assassination” and urged calm as police continued their manhunt for the gunman.
The shooting took place during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University attended by hundreds of students and supporters.
Witnesses reported hearing a single shot from a nearby rooftop as Kirk spoke under a white tent bearing slogans from his “The American Comeback” tour.
Video footage shared on social media appeared to show Kirk reaching for his neck as blood began to flow before he collapsed from his chair.
University officials confirmed he had been struck in the neck and transported to the hospital by private security, but he died later in surgery.
Police said the attacker was dressed in dark clothing and fired from an elevated position on campus before fleeing the scene.
Investigators have not confirmed a motive, but security sources said the killing bore the hallmarks of a politically targeted attack.
Trump praises Kirk’s legacy.
Mr Trump earlier asked supporters to pray for Kirk and his family, calling the activist a “special talent” who had played a central role in his political movement.
Kirk was co-founder and chief executive of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organisation that became influential on US campuses.
The group helped mobilise young voter support for Mr Trump in the 2024 election, often drawing large crowds to rallies and speaking events.
Kirk, a father of two, built a following of millions on social media and became a prominent voice for right-wing causes in America.
Mr Trump frequently praised him on the campaign trail, once calling him “incredible” and “a special talent.”
At a rally in Phoenix last October, Mr Trump told supporters he was “tremendously grateful” to Kirk for his activism.
Tributes across the political divide
Tributes poured in following confirmation of Kirk’s death, including from figures across the political spectrum.
Former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama condemned the killing, with Mr Obama saying, “This kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.”
Michelle Obama also expressed sympathy, offering prayers to Kirk’s widow, Erika and their two young children.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the killing “heartbreaking” and warned against the dangers of escalating political violence.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described it as “a very dark day for American democracy,” while Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Kirk as a “lion-hearted friend of Israel.”
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is Jewish, said the assassination was an attack on free speech and democratic values.
Rising fears of political violence in the US
The killing has intensified scrutiny of political violence in the US, where several high-profile attacks have taken place in recent years.
Mr Trump himself survived two assassination attempts in 2024, including one at a campaign rally where he was shot.
Other incidents have included the murder of Minnesota representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and an attack on state senator John Hoffman.
Nancy Pelosi’s husband was also assaulted in a separate attack, while other politicians have reported threats against their families.
Analysts warn that Kirk’s death could deepen America’s already polarised climate and increase pressure on authorities to curb political extremism.
The FBI said its investigation was ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.
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