Charlie Kirk’s final hours: How a stage for debate became a scene of tragedy

(CNN) — Charlie Kirk was in his element.

The 31-year-old conservative firebrand had set up shop in the center of Utah Valley University for his national “The American Comeback” tour , the first stop at 10 college campuses around the US. His plan, as always: To rally his powers of persuasion and “own the libs” who came forward to challenge his views, all for the enjoyment of an engaged audience and millions of online followers.

Wearing a white shirt with the word “FREEDOM” in black letters, Kirk basked in the cheers of his 3,000-strong flock of admirers and would-be adversaries, casually flinging red and white “Make America Great Again” and “47” caps into the crowd.

Then he took a seat under a tent reading “PROVE ME WRONG,” and began the show.

About 20 minutes in, a young audience me