Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot on Wednesday while addressing students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, university officials confirmed.
In a statement posted to social media, the institution said: “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, a suspect is in custody.”
Kirk had been speaking under a tent outside on campus as part of his “Prove Me Wrong” debate series when a gunman opened fire. Witnesses reported hearing a single shot before security rushed the 30-year-old off stage. His condition has not yet been publicly disclosed.
The FBI has joined local law enforcement at the scene. Authorities have not released the name of the suspect or suggested a possible motive.
Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, is a prominent figure on the American right. Trump reacted swiftly to the incident on his social media platform, expressing concern for Kirk and condemning the attack.
The “Prove Me Wrong” events, organised by Kirk and his group Turning Point USA, are billed as “bold, on-the-ground debate” forums in which students are encouraged to challenge his positions on politics and culture. Recent topics have included dismantling the Department of Education, Second Amendment rights, and the merits of universal health care.
The Utah event was one of several stops Kirk is scheduled to make across college campuses. The next instalment of the series is set for 18 September at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
News of the shooting has already drawn sharp reactions across the political spectrum, with allies denouncing what they described as an attack on free speech and opponents expressing concern about escalating political violence.
Campus police said an investigation is ongoing, with additional security measures being considered for upcoming events.
