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Charlie Kirk, the founder of the American Turnaround Point, was shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday. The 31-year-old took part in his American comeback trip when a gunshot hit him in the neck was mostly a problem with the student audience. The video footage captured the attack, which happened when Mr Kirk was discussing the recent mass shooting.
President Trump personally announced Mr. Kirk’s death, calling him “great, even legendary” and praised his understanding of American youth. Mr. Trump ordered flags to be hung in government buildings in Mr. Kirk’s honor. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that he was detained four hours after the shooting, although authorities initially provided conflicting information about the arrest.
Mr. Kirk, who married Erika Lane Frantzve and had two children, became a key ally of Trump Ally and was known for his leading politicians including House Speaker Mike Johnson. His debate-centric attitude and willingness to interact with opponents made him play a role in Trump’s victory, especially by attracting young conservative audiences through his “Prove I’m the False Table” format.
The shooting has sparked widespread condemnation from the cross-party. Liberal leaders including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris have condemned the violence and called for solidarity in political attacks. Former Rep. Gabby Giffords, himself a shooting victim, expressed fear of the incident and stressed the need to resolve political divisions without violence.
However, Mr. Kirk’s appearance in Utah Valley has been controversial. An online petition with 944 supporters attempted to stop the incident, describing Mr. Kirk’s remarks as “divisive” and potentially marginalized communities. The university defends the chair Mr. Kirk with a commitment to free speech and constructive dialogue.
The assassination was a number of attempts toward President Trump’s life during the last presidential campaign, which heightened concerns about political violence in the United States. Conservative figures demanded a reduction in inflammatory rhetoric from the left, while some online criticism of Mr. Kirk laughed at his death, especially citing irony in his pro-gun stance.
Mr. Kirk’s tour was scheduled to continue at Colorado State University, the University of Minnesota-Both Country City and Virginia Tech. Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who witnessed the shooting, pointed out that in the normally safe Orem community, its nature is shocking. The incident has re-proposed discussions about political discourse and the danger of ideological conflict escalating into violence.
Read more: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk is killed by gunmen at a college event
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