Political activist and influencer Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday during a speaking event at Utah Valley University.
Kirk, 31, was a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump and a key promoter of the current conservative movement. He was shot in the neck during an event in an outdoor courtyard.
Utah public safety officials said late Wednesday that two people were taken into custody and later released after “there are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals.”
“There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter,” law enforcement said.
The Utah Department of Public Safety stated in its a press release that the shooting of Kirk is believed to be a “targeted attack.”
“The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said. “Any additional clarifications cannot be provided to protect the integrity of our investigation.”
President Donald Trump, who announced Kirk’s death, ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff to honor him.
“In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.,” Trump posted.
Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered all American and Pennsylvania flags at state buildings and properties to fly at half-staff until Sunday.
The flags were already scheduled to be lowered Thursday for the anniversary of Sept. 11.
The killing is the latest in a series of high-profile acts of political violence, including the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, the attack on then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, two assassination attempts on Trump, an attack on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence and the governor and his family, and the gunning down of two Minnesota lawmakers and their families.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat:
“Political violence has no place in our country.
“We must speak with moral clarity. The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying and this growing type of unconscionable violence cannot be allowed in our society.”
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, a Republican:
“Dina and I are heartbroken to learn that Charlie Kirk has passed away. He was a good man and a good friend with a beautiful young family.
“His murder is an outrage. Violence is never the answer—no matter your politics.
“What happened today is horrifying, and must stop. Dina and I will continue to hold his family and all those close to him in our hearts.”
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat:
“I condemn this in the strongest terms.
“There is ZERO place in our great country for these horrendous acts of political violence. We must find a better way forward.
“Our family grieves for Charlie Kirk’s family.
“We must collectively find a way forward during these polarized times.”
Treasurer Stacey Garrity, a Republican:
“Political violence has no place in this country. I am heartbroken for his wife, his young kids, and loved ones. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk”
Auditor General Tim DeFoor, a Republican:
“I am deeply saddened over the passing of Charlie Kirk and I grieve for his wife and young children.”
Attorney General Dave Sunday, a Republican:
“We must speak with one voice- Political violence is never acceptable and has to stop. I join so many in praying for Charlie Kirk after this disgusting attack on his life.”
Eugene DePasqualie, chairperson of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party:
“What happened to Charlie Kirk today in front of hundreds of young, politically engaged people is horrifying and completely unacceptable. Political violence is always wrong. In PA, we know all too well the devastation of an act of violence like this and our prayers are in Utah today.”
Republican Party of Pennsylvania:
“We are heartbroken by the tragic news of Charlie Kirk’s passing after a vile shooting at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children, as well as anyone who was lucky enough to meet or have interactions with Charlie. Political violence is never the answer. It tears at the fabric of our nation and leaves families shattered. May God bring comfort to Charlie’s family and peace to all who are grieving today.”
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican:
“At only 31, Charlie Kirk left an imprint far beyond his years. He loved our country, and he inspired a generation of young Americans to engage in civic life and pursue common ground through dialogue, regardless of their views.
“This is a profoundly sad day for our nation. Political violence is a betrayal of who we are as Americans. Nothing can, nor ever will, justify it.
“May we remember that our differences are not a weakness; they are our strength. And they must always be met with conversation and understanding, not conflict or hatred.
“May we find unity in extending our deepest prayers to Charlie’s wife Erika, their two beautiful children, and all who loved him. Rest in Peace, Charlie.”
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat:
“Political violence is never warranted. It was not acceptable when Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hartman and her husband were murdered and Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were gunned down in June and it is not acceptable with the murder of Charlie Kirk today.
“It is imperative that we return to civil discourse.”
Bucks County Commissioner Chairperson Bob Harvie, a Democrat:
“The news out of Utah about the attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying. Political violence against anyone is wrong and must never be tolerated. I’m praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.”
Bucks County Democratic Committee:
“Political violence has no place within our country, and the Bucks County Democrats unequivocally condemn the shooting of Charlie Kirk. This is not who we are as Americans. We hope that he is okay and recovers quickly from this senseless violence.”
Bucks County Republican Committee:
“We’re heartbroken to hear that Charlie Kirk has died. Today is a dark day for our country. When a man who has made civil discourse and free speech his life’s work is murdered, our society suffers. Charlie Kirk has inspired a generation of conservative young men and women and our nation is forever grateful to him for his work.
“Please keep his family in your prayers.”
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