Trump responds to news Charlie Kirk was shot during event

President Donald Trump offered his condolences to the Kirk family after announcing that Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk had died after the conservative figure was shot in Utah. 

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump said in a social media post on Wednesday. “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!”

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump called for prayers for Kirk, and described him as a “great guy.” 

CHARLIE KIRK SHOT AT UTAH EVENT, HOSPITALIZED

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump posted to Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon. 

Kirk was in Utah and was scheduled to appear at Utah Valley University on Wednesday as part of his American Comeback Tour. 

Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks during a campaign rally, Oct. 24, 2024, in Las Vegas.  (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Kirk’s spokesperson originally confirmed that “Charlie Kirk has been shot at Utah Valley University. Condition unknown.”

Trump administration officials stretching from Vice President JD Vance to FBI Director Kash Patel offered an outpouring of concern and support to Kirk on social media on Wednesday afternoon. 

CHARLIE KIRK SHOOTING SPARKS OUTPOURING OF PRAYERS, OUTRAGE ON CAPITOL HILL

“Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour,” Vance posted, accompanied by a photo of him with Kirk and other Trump allies. 

President Donald Trump shakes hands with conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a forum dubbed the Generation Next Summit at the White House on March 22, 2018 in Washington, D.C.  (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” Vance wrote in an earlier X post. 

“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation,” Patel posted on X. 

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