Well-known American conservative political activist and author Charlie Kirk has been shot and killed while giving a public talk at a university in Utah in the United States.
Kirk’s popularity has exploded in recent years due to social media videos in which he debates students at college campuses on subjects including abortion, capital punishment, race issues, and gender and sexuality.
The 31-year-old was the co-founder and executive director of the conservative organisation Turning Point USA.
He’s been an outspoken supporter of United States President Donald Trump.
Kirk was shot while giving a talk at Utah Valley University during his group’s ‘American Comeback Tour’ at about 12.10pm local time.
Kirk was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was initially reported to be in a critical condition.
A short time later, United States President Donald Trump announced on social media that Kirk had died.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“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!”
American news media are reporting as of this morning, September 11, that the shooter has not yet been arrested.
Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz has posted a statement to social media saying: “Heidi and I are devastated and heartbroken.
“Charlie Kirk’s murder was an act of unspeakable evil. Charlie was a close friend; we first met when he was just 18, and Turning Point was a nascent idea.
“Charlie was courageous, brilliant, compassionate, and powerfully honest.
“He was a strong Christian who boldly proclaimed the Gospel.
“Charlie loved our country deeply, and we will forever remember him and honor his legacy.
“Heidi and I are praying for his wife Erika and their two young children, and all of his family and loved ones.
“May God’s comfort and love be upon them. May Charlie rest in peace, and may he forever rest in the loving embrace of the Lord.”
Former US President Barack Obama has also issued a public statement on the fatal shooting of Kirk.
“We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy,” he says.
“Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
And New Zealand’s politicians have begun commenting on Kirk’s death.
Foreign Minister and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says: “It is tragic that we now live in a world that differences of opinion are met with a gun.
“The death of Charlie Kirk is not political violence it is an assassination.
“The utter tragedy is that Kirk travelled extensively around university campuses to give an open mic and debate to everyone – and all were welcome.
“He stood for freedom of speech and especially fought for the right of others to express theirs – even if he disagreed.
“The essence of democracy is under threat around the world and we must do everything we can to protect it.”
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Kash Patel has said the suspect in the fatal shooting of Kirk is now in custody.
