Trump ally Charlie Kirk dies after being shot at university

Conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot on Wednesday while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.

Conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk , a close ally of US President Donald Trump , was shot in the neck and killed on Wednesday during an event at a university in Utah.

"The great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk has passed away," Trump himself confirmed on the Truth Social platform.

"No one understood or embraced the Heart of Youth in America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by all, especially me, and now he is no longer with us. Melania and I extend our deepest condolences to his beautiful wife, Erika, and his family. Charlie, we love you!" Trump added.

According to videos posted on social media, Kirk was shot in the neck while participating in a debate at Utah Valley University (UVU) in front of hundreds of people.

Although the university initially reported that one person had been arrested, The New York Times reported that the person arrested is not the shooter, according to Efe.

The activist was transferred in critical condition to Timpanogos Hospital in the city of Oren.

Both Trump and Real America's Voice, a television channel where Kirk worked, confirmed his death.

Born in October 1993 in Illinois and a father of two, Kirk was an activist, writer, and commentator best known for founding Turning Point, a conservative student organization.

Kirk publicly endorsed Trump at several of his campaign rallies last year and was present at his inauguration.

Following the news of the shooting, leading Republican Party figures called for prayers for him, while the Democratic Party condemned political violence in all its forms.