President Donald Trump delivered a heart-wrenching update regarding the shooting incident at Utah Valley University. Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of the conservative youth advocacy organization Turning Point USA, tragically passed away on September 10 after being shot while hosting an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Trump confirmed the devastating news in a statement. Kirk was just 31 years old.
"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," the president, who was a close friend of the right-wing influencer, wrote on Truth Social on September 10. "No one understood or possessed the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was cherished and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us."
Referring to Kirk’s wife, Erika Frantzve—with whom he shared a 3-year-old daughter and a 15-month-old son—Trump added, "Melania and I extend our deepest sympathies to his beautiful wife Erika and their family. Charlie, we love you!"
Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded, also mourned his untimely death in a statement to NBC News. "It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been tragically murdered," the spokesperson said in part. "We urge everyone to keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity during this incredibly difficult time."
The fatal incident unfolded roughly 20 minutes into Kirk’s presentation, when witnesses reported hearing gunshots emanating from a nearby building, a spokesperson for the university told NBC News. Kirk was immediately rushed to the hospital, according to a representative from Turning Point USA.
While the school initially issued an alert stating that police had detained a suspect, UVU spokesperson Ellen Treanor later clarified that authorities had not yet apprehended a suspect, as reported by NBC News.
Kirk was renowned for establishing Turning Point USA in 2012, an organization dedicated to igniting conservative activism on college campuses. He amassed a substantial following on social media, including over 3.8 million subscribers on his YouTube channel.
The media personality, who also authored five books during his lifetime, appeared alongside Trump numerous times during his 2024 presidential campaign and delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention in July.
Shortly after the shooting, Trump issued a statement addressing the dire situation. "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot," he wrote in a post on Truth Social. "A truly remarkable individual from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!"
Likewise, Vice President JD Vance offered his heartfelt wishes to the conservative commentator, writing on X (formerly Twitter), "Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father."
Others have also spoken out about the tragic incident, including Chris Pratt, who called for prayers for Kirk. "Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country," the actor posted on X. "We need God’s grace. God help us."
