Charlie Kirk Assassinated at Utah Valley University; President Trump Condemns 'Radical Left' for Political Violence:

Utah Valley – In a shocking and tragic turn of events, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at a public event at Utah Valley University. The co-founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump, Kirk was struck by a single bullet in what authorities believe was a targeted assassination. The Utah Department of Public Safety confirmed that the shooter remains at large. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunshot came from a campus rooftop, fired by an individual dressed in black. Panic ensued as Kirk collapsed during his address, and the event was immediately halted. Authorities are reviewing security footage and continuing their investigation. In a video posted on Truth Social, President Trump paid tribute to Kirk, calling him a "martyr for truth" and condemning the rise in political violence across the country. “For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and criminals,” said Trump. “This assassination is a dark moment for America. Charlie Kirk was a brave man who believed in freedom, the rule of law, and American values.” Trump tied the assassination to a broader trend of politically motivated violence, citing his own near-fatal assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania last year, as well as the 2017 shooting of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, attacks on ICE agents, and other recent violent incidents. “Radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent people and taken too many lives,” he stated. “This rhetoric is not just dangerous—it's deadly. It must stop right now.” Trump pledged a full federal response, vowing to identify and hold accountable not just the shooter, but anyone involved in encouraging or supporting political violence. “My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity, including the organizations that fund and support it,” he said. Charlie Kirk, 31, rose to national prominence through Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization he co-founded to engage students in right-wing activism. He played a key role in boosting support for Donald Trump among younger demographics, often speaking at college campuses and conservative events across the country. His death has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, sparking tributes from conservative leaders and outrage over the apparent targeting of political figures. “Today, because of this heinous act, Charlie’s voice has become bigger and grander than ever before,” Trump added. “May God bless his memory. May God watch over his family.” The assassination comes amid growing concern over political violence in the United States, with incidents increasingly targeting public figures from all sides of the ideological spectrum. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Meanwhile, security measures are being reassessed at political events nationwide, as tensions continue to rise ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

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