Accra: Influential conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead during an event at a Utah college on Wednesday, US authorities said. Kirk, a prominent Trump supporter, was shot in the neck during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University (UVU) at around 12:20 pm local time (1820 GMT) and later succumbed to his injuries.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) stated that the shooting is believed to be a targeted attack. The shooter allegedly fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard. Two suspects were taken into custody following the shooting but were later released, with one suspect charged with obstruction of justice. The DPS confirmed that there are no current ties between the suspects and the shooting, and an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter are underway.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the incident as a 'political assassination' during a press conference. DPS Commissioner Beau Mason noted that the only information on the suspect comes from closed-circuit TV footage on campus, which is currently being analyzed. The footage shows the suspect dressed in dark clothing, but a clearer description is not available.
The event, attended by approximately 3,000 people, was monitored by six UVU Police Department officers and Kirk's security detail. Video from the event showed Kirk speaking to a large crowd when the shot was fired, causing panic among the attendees. Just before the incident, a member of the audience had asked Kirk about mass shootings in the US.
Former US President Donald Trump condemned the rhetoric from the 'radical left' following Kirk's killing, attributing it to the rise in political violence in the country. Trump highlighted the need to confront the violence and murder resulting from divisive rhetoric, pointing out past instances of political violence, including an attempt on his own life and other high-profile cases.
Kirk, 31, was a significant figure in grassroots conservative politics, leading Turning Point USA, hosting a popular podcast, and engaging millions on social media. He was a speaker at Trump campaign rallies and the Republican National Convention.
Earlier, Trump confirmed Kirk's death and called it 'a dark moment for America,' emphasizing Kirk's efforts to engage in good faith debates across the country. The incident adds to the growing concern over political violence in the US, which affects both major political parties.
Gun violence remains a persistent issue in the US, with mass shootings frequently reigniting debates over stricter gun laws, though reforms have often stalled due to opposition from Republicans and influential gun lobbies.