Charlie Kirk dies aged 31 following shooting at university event
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died aged 31 after shooting at an event hosted by Utah Valley University.
Utah police confirmed the shooting had taken place at around 12:20pm local time on 10 September.
Footage from the incident was soon shared on social media, in which gunshots can heard before Kirk clutches his neck.
The news was confirmed in the following statement by US President Donald Trump on Truth Social. In a statement, he wrote: "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"
He followed up by saying US flags would be flown at half mast, adding: "In honour of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M."
Kirk is survived by his wife and two young children.
The university previously released a statement on the shooting, which read: "Today at about 12.10, a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk. He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating."
Meanwhile, former US representative Jason Chaffetz was in attendance and spoke to Fox News about the incident, saying he saw witnesses 'hit the deck' and 'scattered' after hearing the gunshots.
"The shot came straight at him," he added, as he described the violence as 'shocking'.
The political commentator was known for running conservative student group Turning Point USA and had been a prominent supporter of President Trump.
Tributes have since begun to flood in for the Kirk online, with Vice-President JD Vance sharing the following statement on social media: "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord."
Former US President Joe Biden has also released a statement, which read: "There is no place in our country for this kind of violence.
"It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones."
According to CBS, the shooter is still believed to be at large, with searches ongoing.
In a follow-up statement, Utah Valley University said police were conducting a 'building to building' search.
"UVU campus is closed. Classes cancelled," the statement read. "Those on campus, secure in place until police officers can escort you safely off campus. Police are currently going building to building escorting people off campus. Roads to campus are currently closed."
Brenna Cooper