Authorities are still searching for the gunman who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University, in what investigators are calling a targeted attack.
Kirk, 31, a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump and founder of the youth-focused group Turning Point USA, was struck by a single round fired from a nearby rooftop, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. The agency is leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI.
Two individuals initially detained for questioning were released, and officials say the shooter remains at large. A manhunt is underway across Utah County and beyond as authorities comb through leads.
Kirk’s death has drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Trump described the killing as a dark day for the country and linked it to increasingly heated partisan rhetoric. Lawmakers from both parties have called for restraint in political discourse and for swift justice in the case.
Kirk rose to national prominence in his early 20s by building Turning Point USA into a major presence on college campuses and social media. He became a close ally of Trump, who credited him with helping mobilize young conservative voters and amplifying populist themes that reshaped the Republican Party.
The attack comes amid heightened concerns about political violence in the United States, particularly ahead of the 2026 election season. Security at political events has been under renewed scrutiny following a series of high-profile threats and incidents in recent years.
Utah officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information that might assist in locating the suspect. Meanwhile, tributes to Kirk have poured in from supporters nationwide, many recalling his role in energizing a new generation of conservative activists.
The investigation remains active, with authorities emphasizing that the motive and identity of the gunman have not yet been determined.
Source: CNN