Shooter still at large as authorities investigate fatal attack on conservative leader
TNR News Network
DHARAMSHALA:
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and close ally of former US. President Donald Trump, was fatally shot while addressing a crowd at an outdoor student-led event hosted by his advocacy group, Turning Point USA, at Utah Valley University on Thursday.
Kirk (31) sustained a gunshot wound to the neck during his speech and was immediately rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries hours later. The event had drawn an estimated 3,000 attendees and was being held in the university’s central courtyard.
Trump mourns ‘legendary’ Kirk, blames ‘radical left’
Confirming the news on his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump expressed deep sorrow, calling Kirk “great and even legendary”. In a strongly worded statement, Trump alleged political motivations behind the killing, blaming the “radical left” for creating a climate of hate.
“No one understood or had the heart of America’s youth better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by all, especially me,” Trump wrote. “Melania and I extend our sympathies to his wife Erika and their family. Charlie, we love you.”
In a later video address, Trump doubled down on his accusations, claiming that voices like Kirk’s had been demonised for too long. “They call patriots Nazis, compare them to mass murderers and criminals — and then this happens,” Trump said. “We will hunt down and punish every person responsible for this heinous act.”
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed that the incident is being investigated as a homicide. Initial reports suggest the gunman may have fired from a nearby rooftop overlooking the courtyard where the event was taking place.
Authorities initially detained two individuals — George Zinn and Zachariah Qureshi — for questioning. Zinn was charged with obstruction by university police but later released. Qureshi, too, was let go after interrogation. Investigators have so far found no direct link between either man and the shooting.
The probe is ongoing and involves multiple agencies, including the Utah DPS, the FBI, the Utah County Attorney’s Office, the County Sheriff’s Department, and local law enforcement. A full-scale manhunt for the shooter is currently underway.
In light of the tragic incident, Utah Valley University has suspended all campus activities and closed its facilities for the remainder of the week. A statement from the university offered condolences to Kirk’s family and the Turning Point USA community.
Security at the event included six UVU officers and Kirk’s private detail, according to officials. Despite the heavy presence, the sniper-style attack left authorities and attendees stunned.
Charlie Kirk was a well-known and controversial figure in US conservative politics. As the founder of Turning Point USA, he gained prominence for mobilising young voters on college campuses and often stirred national debate over immigration, race and free speech.
His critics accused him of spreading divisive rhetoric, while supporters hailed him as a fearless voice for conservative values. In the wake of his death, old clips of Kirk’s remarks, including controversial statements about immigration, resurfaced online, further igniting political tensions.
As of now, no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the shooting. Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and report any information that could assist the investigation.
