The shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah had the hallmarks of a professional assassination, according to several security experts.

The prominent conservative activist, who was 31, was struck in the neck by a single gunshot as he delivered a speech to a large crowd on campus at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday. He collapsed and was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Analysts point to the firing of a single shot and a preestablished escape route as evidence that the shooting had been carefully planned.

Why It Matters

Kirk was the founder of the right-leaning youth organization Turning Point USA and a longtime ally of President Donald Trump .

Trump released a video message late on Wednesday saying he was "filled with grief and anger at the heinous ass

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