(In US) A single bullet killed Charlie Kirk - what we know about Utah shooting

Charlie Kirk was shot during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The shooting happened on Wednesday afternoon as Kirk responded to questions from students in the university’s courtyard. A loud gunshot interrupted the event, which was attended by about three thousand people. Witnesses said Kirk recoiled in his chair after being struck in the neck. Panic spread quickly through the crowd as students dropped to the ground before fleeing for safety. Kirk was rushed to hospital in a private vehicle, but hours later President Donald Trump confirmed on his Truth Social account that Kirk had died from his injuries.

Authorities have described the incident as an assassination and confirmed that the fatal shot came from the roof of a nearby university building. The shooter is believed to have been dressed in dark clothing and fired from a distance of around one hundred and thirty metres. Two people were detained after the shooting but later released as investigators found no link to the crime. A manhunt is continuing as police search the area and review CCTV footage. The campus remains under tight security as investigators work to identify the suspect.

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The death of Charlie Kirk has drawn widespread reaction across the political spectrum and beyond. President Trump called him a legendary figure who inspired young conservatives and ordered flags across the country to be flown at half-mast. Former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama both issued statements condemning the violence and offering condolences to Kirk’s family. Leaders from abroad, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, also described the killing as an attack on democracy. Supporters remembered Kirk as a champion of free speech who built Turning Point USA into a major force among younger conservative voters. Critics recalled his role in spreading controversial and conspiratorial claims, including the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen.

The attack has also fueled political tensions. While many called for unity, some conservative commentators blamed left-wing activists and accused them of creating a climate of hostility. Others pointed to a broader rise in political violence in the United States. Experts warn that the killing could serve as a flashpoint for further unrest. Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika and their two young children, who were present at the event when the shooting occurred.

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