Charlie Kirk , a conservative political activist, died on Wednesday after he was shot while speaking at a student event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

President Donald Trump announced the news on social media, paying tribute to Kirk, saying, “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.” He also offered his sympathies to Kirk’s family from him and Melania Trump .

The Turning Point USA founder was speaking to students in an open area of the campus and having a Q&A session when the tragic incident occurred. The Associated Press reports that a suspect is now in custody.

Kirk, who was 31, is survived by his wife, Erika, and two children.

The news networks went into breaking news mode around 2:50 p.m. ET upon receiving word that Kirk had

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