Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer, was assassinated while speaking at an event hosted by Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Two suspects were taken into custody shortly following the assassination and were later released with no ties to the assassination. Utah authorities have stated that there is now an active investigation and manhunt for Kirk’s assassin.

At just 18 years old, Kirk entered the political scene of America. His early efforts revolved around promoting conservatism to young Americans, an approach he returned to in his later years. Kirk was a co-founder of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization, and acted as the institution’s former president until his death. Self-proclaimed as the “largest conservative movement” in America, Turning Point USA focuses on encouraging conservative principles in newer American generations, sponsoring events at places such as high schools and universities.

Kirk noticeably assisted President Donald J. Trump in garnering youth votes during the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and the two worked closely together following President Trump’s victory. In response to Kirk’s assassination, President Trump released an official proclamation, ordering all flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday evening, Sept. 14.

At approximately 12:10 pm local time, a single gunshot was reportedly heard by those attending the event. The corresponding bullet pierced through Kirk’s neck, thus generating a large quantity of blood, as confirmed by video footage of the assassination. Attendees were rushed off from the scene, and the university where the event was taking place promptly closed to accommodate the ongoing investigation. Classes are expected to resume next Monday, Sept. 15.

In a video statement regarding the unfolding of yesterday’s events, President Trump described the assassination as a “dark moment for America,” urging for justice to be served as citizens across the nation take a moment of silence for the deceased Kirk.