United States President Donald Trump has vowed to bring to justice those responsible for the killing of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on Wednesday during a live speaking event at Utah Valley University in Utah.
In an emotional video statement posted on his Truth Social platform shortly after news of the killing broke, Trump described Kirk as a “martyr for truth” and blamed what he called the “radical left” for fostering the climate of hate that led to the shooting.
“For years those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals,” Trump said.
“This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today, and it must stop right now.”
The president declared that his administration would pursue all those who played any role in the attack.
“This is a dark moment for America. My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity, and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it,” Trump vowed.
Kirk, a vocal supporter of Trump and a key figure in mobilizing young conservative voters, was delivering a speech before a packed audience when a single gunshot echoed through the venue. Eyewitness video showed him abruptly collapsing in his chair as panic erupted in the crowd.
Campus security immediately evacuated attendees as emergency responders rushed to the scene. Despite efforts to save him, Kirk was pronounced dead from a single gunshot wound.
Law enforcement officials said preliminary investigations indicated that the shot likely came from a nearby campus rooftop. Witnesses reported seeing a figure dressed entirely in black fleeing the area shortly after the incident. Authorities are treating the case as a targeted assassination and have launched a manhunt for the suspect.
The killing has sent shockwaves through the United States political landscape, with tributes pouring in from conservative leaders and allies of Trump, many of whom hailed Kirk’s influence and dedication to advancing conservative causes.
As of Wednesday night, investigators had not released any information on a motive or the identity of the suspected shooter.
