Conservative activist and popular influencer Charlie Kirk was shot during an appearance at a campus event in Utah on Wednesday, according to a statement from Utah Valley University (UVU) and confirmed by videos taken from the scene.
The shooting took place at about 1 p.m. local time Wednesday during a student Q&A at UVU in Orem, the school statement said.
“There was a single shot fired from the top of a nearby building about 200 yards away,” the statement said.
A suspect is still at large according to an updated statement from the City of Orem.
The Context
The shooting arrives amid broader, documented concerns about political violence in the United States, including from the left.
Recent incidents of violence across the country have resulted in heightened security and legal scrutiny of politically motivated attacks.
Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Who is Charlie Kirk?
Kirk, 31, is the founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, a conservative campus organization.
He is a frequent speaker on college campuses and hosts media programs, including his popular podcast The Charlie Kirk Show.
What We Know About UVU Shooting
Utah Valley University issued an alert saying a single shot was fired from a nearby building during a Kirk appearance.
The Associated Press quoted Turning Point USA public relations manager Aubrey Laitsch: “We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie.”
Video posted online and reviewed by Newsweek shows the moment a shot is heard and appears to show Kirk recoiling.
Kirk was immediately transported by his security team to a local hospital, an updated statement from UVU to Newsweek said.
“Campus was immediately evacuated. Campus is closed and classes have been canceled until further notice. We are asking those still on campus to secure in place until police officers can safely escort them off campus.”
The FBI, Orem Police, UVU Police, and Utah Department of Public Safety are investigating, according to the statement.
The timeline of law enforcement updates and the exact medical status of Kirk remain fluid.
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