Charlie Kirk, a prominent pro-Trump media figure, was fatally shot on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was shot in the neck while addressing a large outdoor crowd.

Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA, a leading conservative youth organization, was known for his strong support of former President Donald Trump. Trump expressed his condolences on social media, stating, "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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."

Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise that resembled a gunshot as Kirk was speaking. Video footage shared on social media shows him clutching his neck and collapsing from his chair, prompting attendees to flee the scene. Another video reportedly shows blood streaming from his neck immediately after the incident. The authenticity of these videos has not been confirmed.

Authorities have not yet apprehended a suspect. Initially, the university reported that someone had been detained, but further details remain unclear. Kirk's event was part of a planned 15-stop "American Comeback Tour" at various universities, where he often engaged students in live debates.

With a following of 5.3 million on X, Kirk hosted a popular podcast and radio show, "The Charlie Kirk Show," and frequently appeared on Fox News. He was a key figure in mobilizing young voters for Trump during the 2020 election.

Following the shooting, both Republican and Democratic leaders expressed their support for Kirk. Vice President JD Vance, who was close to Kirk, wrote on X, "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord." California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the attack, stating, "The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form."

Kirk's death marks a significant loss for the conservative movement, particularly among young voters.