UTAH, USA — Southeast Texas political leaders are reacting with shock and grief after conservative activist Charlie Kirk , founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday. He was 31.

President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death, calling him “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk” in a statement on Truth Social. Trump ordered federal flags flown at half-staff until Sunday evening. A person oof interest is in custody.

For many in Texas politics, Kirk’s death felt deeply personal. Republican Congressman Brian Babin said he was “stunned and enraged” by what he described as “the execution murder of Charlie Kirk.”

“I had the honor of meeting him years ago, he was one of the finest young men,” Babin said. “I pray for

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