<p>US President Donald Trump on Thursday (September 11) announced that Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honour. Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at an event in Utah on Wednesday (September 10). Speaking at a Pentagon event on Thursday, Trump praised Kirk as a leading figure of his generation and a powerful voice for liberty. "Charlie was an inspiration to millions, especially young people," Trump said in remarks. “His courage and the message he shared will continue to impact lives for years to come.”</p>

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<h2>What did the FBI say?</h2><p>Conservative activist and prominent Trump ally Charlie Kirk was assassinated on Wednesday (September 10) in a an attack during a public event. The 31-year-old was fatally shot by a gunman who reportedly leapt from a rooftop and fled the scene immediately after firing. According to Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason, the suspect appears to be of college age. Mason confirmed that authorities have obtained images of the individual and expressed confidence in their ability to locate and apprehend him.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The FBI later announced that the shooter’s high-powered rifle had been recovered in a nearby wooded area where the suspect was believed to have escaped. FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls revealed that the firearm is now undergoing forensic analysis at the FBI’s lab. Investigators also discovered a footwear impression and a forearm imprint at the scene, both of which are being closely examined.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“This was clearly a targeted attack,” Bohls said during a press briefing. When asked about the suspect’s appearance, Bohls declined to provide specific details, saying that while authorities do possess images of the shooter, they are withholding facial information for the time being due to the ongoing investigation. “We’ll release that shortly,” he added.</p>

Charlie Kirk to be posthumously awarded Medal of Freedom, says US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (September 11) announced that Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honour. Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at an event in Utah on Wednesday (September 10). Speaking at a Pentagon event on Thursday, Trump praised Kirk as a leading figure of his generation and a powerful voice for liberty. "Charlie was an inspiration to millions, especially young people," Trump said in remarks. “His courage and the message he shared will continue to impact lives for years to come.”

<p>Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at an event in Utah on Wednesday (September 10)</p>

Charlie Kirk was known for confronting ideas he believed threatened conservative principles. Throughout his activism, he consistently challenged movements and ideologies he considered radical or misleading. Here are seven fringe elements he often spoke against.

<p>Charlie Kirk was known for confronting ideas he believed threatened conservative principles. Throughout his activism, he consistently challenged movements and ideologies he considered radical or misleading. Here are seven fringe elements he often spoke against.</p>

'Fake feminists, leftists and radical libs': Top 7 fringe elements Charlie Kirk died fighting against

Charlie Kirk’s speeches and social media presence made him a defining voice for young conservatives. His words inspired debate, activism, and a generation of politically engaged youth. Here are seven quotes that went viral and continue to influence discussion.

<p>Charlie Kirk’s speeches and social media presence made him a defining voice for young conservatives. His words inspired debate, activism, and a generation of politically engaged youth. Here are seven quotes that went viral and continue to influence discussion.</p>

'Don’t just talk, do something': 7 Charlie Kirk quotes that went viral on internet

Activism requires careful planning, organisation, and long-term vision, not just spontaneous energy or viral moments.

<p>Activism requires careful planning, organisation, and long-term vision, not just spontaneous energy or viral moments.</p>

Charlie Kirk’s legacy in 10 powerful takeaways for Gen Z conservatives

He emphasised mentorship and delegation, teaching future leaders to organise, strategise, and amplify their impact collectively rather than acting alone.

<p>He emphasised mentorship and delegation, teaching future leaders to organise, strategise, and amplify their impact collectively rather than acting alone.</p>

8 lessons from 'Charlie Kirk' on leadership and activism

Charlie Kirk inspired a generation of young conservatives through his speeches on free speech, activism, and leadership. Here are his top seven addresses that left a lasting impact.

<p>Charlie Kirk inspired a generation of young conservatives through his speeches on free speech, activism, and leadership. Here are his top seven addresses that left a lasting impact.</p>

Charlie Kirk’s legacy: Top 7 speeches that inspired a generation

From Tupac to Charlie Kirk, these iconic American voices shaped culture and politics, until gun violence tragically cut their lives short.


<p>From Tupac to Charlie Kirk, these iconic American voices shaped culture and politics, until gun violence tragically cut their lives short.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

'Charlie Kirk, JFK, Tupac Shakur': 7 iconic American voices silenced by gun violence

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative voice, left a lasting impact on youth and political discourse. This tribute highlights his most memorable quotes.

<p>Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative voice, left a lasting impact on youth and political discourse. This tribute highlights his most memorable quotes.</p>

'Charlie Kirk’s legacy': 10 quotes that define his voice before we say goodbye

<p>Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old well-known conservative political activist in the US and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He was addressing students with slogans reading “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong” when he was shot in the neck.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to Al Jazeera reports, the incident unfolded about 20 minutes after he began speaking at approximately 12:10 pm (18:10 GMT). Surprisingly, among the gathering, no one else was shot except him. And during the event, Kirk’s wife and children were also present.</p><h3>What was Charlie Kirk's net worth?</h3><p>As per Celebrity Net Worth, the estimated net worth of Kirk was $12 million. The news agency Associated Press confirmed that Kirk had three properties valued at over a million. He also possessed a Spanish-style estate in a gated Arizona golf club worth $4.75 million. His major source of income was from public speaking fees and his successful podcast and radio show.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As per the report by ProPublica, Kirk's earnings from Turning Point USA had upsurged to $300,000 in 2020. At the time, he came up with a two-bedroom, two-bathroom oceanfront condo in Florida worth $855,000.</p><h3>How did Charlie Kirk's career as an activist begin?</h3><p>A trusted ally of President Trump, Charlie Kirk was quite prominent conservative activist along with media personalities in the US. When he was 18 years old, he co-founded Turning Point USA, a nonprofit conservative advocacy group. Later, this group turned into the largest conservative youth movement in the country. Over the year, Charlie became a key player in a network of pro-Trump influencers, often labelling it as the face of the “Make America Great Again” movement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In response, he was often credited by Trump for attracting several young voters and voters of colour over to his side during the 2024 presidential campaign. While being a sharp critic of mainstream media, Charlie Kirk has always remained in the culture-war battles over race, gender and immigration. As a result, it led him to garner a loyal support base along with fierce opposition.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kirk also became a close friend of the president’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, and also emerged as an early supporter of Vice President JD Vance. In addition, Charlie Kirk had 5.5 million followers on the social media platform X and also hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, a podcast and radio programme that reached over 500,000 listeners each month.</p><h3>Charlie Kirk's family</h3><p>Charlie Kirk is married to Erika Frantzve, whom he met in 2019. The two tied the knot in May 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. They are parents to two children, a daughter, Sarah Rose, born in 2021, and a son who arrived in 2023.</p>

Charlie Kirk had three properties valued at over a million. He also possessed a Spanish-style estate in a gated Arizona golf club worth $4.75 million. His major source of income was from public speaking fees and his successful podcast and radio show.

Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old well-known conservative political activist in the US and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He was addressing students with slogans reading “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong” when he was shot in the neck. According to Al Jazeera reports, the incident unfolded about 20 minutes after he began speaking at approximately 12:10 pm (18:10 GMT). Surprisingly, among the gathering, no one else was shot except him. And during the event, Kirk’s wife and children were also present. What was Charlie Kirk's net worth? As per Celebrity Net Worth, the estimated net worth of Kirk was $12 million. The news agency Associated Press confirmed that Kirk had three properties valued at over a million. He also possessed a Spanish-style estate in a gated Arizona golf club worth $4.75 million. His major source of income was from public speaking fees and his successful podcast and radio show. As per the report by ProPublica, Kirk's earnings from Turning Point USA had upsurged to $300,000 in 2020. At the time, he came up with a two-bedroom, two-bathroom oceanfront condo in Florida worth $855,000. How did Charlie Kirk's career as an activist begin? A trusted ally of President Trump, Charlie Kirk was quite prominent conservative activist along with media personalities in the US. When he was 18 years old, he co-founded Turning Point USA, a nonprofit conservative advocacy group. Later, this group turned into the largest conservative youth movement in the country. Over the year, Charlie became a key player in a network of pro-Trump influencers, often labelling it as the face of the “Make America Great Again” movement. In response, he was often credited by Trump for attracting several young voters and voters of colour over to his side during the 2024 presidential campaign. While being a sharp critic of mainstream media, Charlie Kirk has always remained in the culture-war battles over race, gender and immigration. As a result, it led him to garner a loyal support base along with fierce opposition. Kirk also became a close friend of the president’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, and also emerged as an early supporter of Vice President JD Vance. In addition, Charlie Kirk had 5.5 million followers on the social media platform X and also hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, a podcast and radio programme that reached over 500,000 listeners each month. Charlie Kirk's family Charlie Kirk is married to Erika Frantzve, whom he met in 2019. The two tied the knot in May 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. They are parents to two children, a daughter, Sarah Rose, born in 2021, and a son who arrived in 2023.

<p>Charlie Kirk had three properties valued at over a million. He also possessed a Spanish-style estate in a gated Arizona golf club worth $4.75 million. His major source of income was from public speaking fees and his successful podcast and radio show.</p>

How wealthy was the Trump's ally 'Charlie Kirk' who was shot in Utah? Know his net worth, career, and family

<p>On Wednesday (September 11), an influential Donald Trump ally&nbsp;Charlie Kirk was shot by a gunman in a campus in Utah. He was attacked while he was highlighting mass shootings in the country. Two people were arrested and later released, as authorities didn’t find any link to the shooting, confirmed officials. The incident has numbed the nation, and condolences have been pouring in ever since. The 31-year-old Conservative activist is survived by his wife and two children.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Tributes pour in for Charlie Kirk:</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Once again, a bullet has silenced the most eloquent truth teller of an era. My dear friend Charlie Kirk was our country's relentless and courageous crusader for free speech. We pray for Erika and the children. Charlie is already in paradise with the angels. We ask his prayers for our country,” Robert Kennedy Jr, US Secretary of Health and Human Services tweeted.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/charlie-kirk-shot-dead-as-he-spoke-of-5700-us-shootings-gun-violence-killed-299-in-2025-alone-and-this-data-will-shock-you-1757565249865"><strong>Charlie Kirk shot when speaking of 5700 shootings: Shocking US gun violence data</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Once again, a bullet has silenced the most eloquent truth teller of an era. My dear friend Charlie Kirk was our country&#39;s relentless and courageous crusader for free speech. We pray for Erika and the children. Charlie is already in paradise with the angels. We ask his prayers for… <a href="https://t.co/ReOdkT6VbV">pic.twitter.com/ReOdkT6VbV</a></p>&mdash; Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1965891715119939701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Former President Barack Obama tweeted, “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. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.</p>&mdash; Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1965889591090753651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>“Charlie Kirk was an incredible patriot — brave, tough as hell, and a dear friend to our entire family. In his honor, all Trump properties will fly their flags at half-staff. We will always celebrate his life, strive to make him proud, and pray that God watches over Erika and their precious kids.” Eric Trump wrote.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Charlie Kirk was an incredible patriot — brave, tough as hell, and a dear friend to our entire family. In his honor, all <a href="https://twitter.com/Trump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Trump</a> properties will fly their flags at half-staff. We will always celebrate his life, strive to make him proud, and pray that God watches over Erika and… <a href="https://t.co/XnjOXwfbF0">pic.twitter.com/XnjOXwfbF0</a></p>&mdash; Eric Trump (@EricTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricTrump/status/1965895799298003067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Journalist Piers Morgan wrote, “Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, 31, has died after being shot at an event in Utah. An appalling assault on free speech and democracy. Charlie always welcomed debate, with anyone. This is disgusting, and heart-breaking. RIP Charlie. ”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING NEWS: Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, 31, has died after being shot at an event in Utah. An appalling assault on free speech and democracy. Charlie always welcomed debate, with anyone. This is disgusting, and heart-breaking. <br>RIP Charlie. 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/9WP0ZbkhDU">pic.twitter.com/9WP0ZbkhDU</a></p>&mdash; Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1965878262942347440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Charlie Kirk was attacked while he was highlighting mass shootings in the country. 

On Wednesday (September 11), an influential Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk was shot by a gunman in a campus in Utah. He was attacked while he was highlighting mass shootings in the country. Two people were arrested and later released, as authorities didn’t find any link to the shooting, confirmed officials. The incident has numbed the nation, and condolences have been pouring in ever since. The 31-year-old Conservative activist is survived by his wife and two children. Tributes pour in for Charlie Kirk: “Once again, a bullet has silenced the most eloquent truth teller of an era. My dear friend Charlie Kirk was our country's relentless and courageous crusader for free speech. We pray for Erika and the children. Charlie is already in paradise with the angels. We ask his prayers for our country,” Robert Kennedy Jr, US Secretary of Health and Human Services tweeted. Also read: Charlie Kirk shot when speaking of 5700 shootings: Shocking US gun violence data

<p>Charlie Kirk was attacked while he was highlighting mass shootings in the country.&nbsp;</p>

Tributes pour in for US Conservative activist Charlie Kirk

<p>Mass shootings in the United States is a common occurrence. Whether it is a crowded market place, mall, university campus or a school, people have been a witness to this heinous act everywhere &nbsp;in the past decade or so, with several becoming a prey to it. Latest in the list of a public shooting is conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead while speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 students at Utah Valley University. He was reportedly debating about gun violence when the attack happened.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Mass shootings in the US fast facts</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The motive behind the act of the shooter, who is not in custody, is not yet known. However, it raises questions on gun violence prevalent in the US, that has seen several people, young or old even children become a victim.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit organization that tracks gun violence in the United States, there have been at least 299 mass shootings so far this year, leaving at least 225 people dead and 1,350 injured, reported CNN.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-violence-who-is-sushila-karki-favourite-to-become-interim-prime-minister-what-did-she-say-on-pm-and-india-1757569864667">Sushila Karki: What did Nepal Gen Z leaders' favourite for interim PM say about Modi and India? Know more about her</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The report says that cases of mass shootings increased in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and has persisted since then. Maximum number of mass shootings - a whopping 689 across 44 states and Washington, DC - &nbsp;took place in 2021, since GVA began tracking them in 2013.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Year with maximum cases reported</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Between 2019 and 2024 there have been mind boggling 3,517 cases of mass shootings across the United States. In 2019 the number was 413, while in 2020 and 2021 they were 610 and 689, respectively. In &nbsp;2022 and 2023, the numbers were 642, 660, respectively. While 503 cases were reported in 2024, which has been the lowest total in a year since 2019.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Incidents in 2025</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>So far, in 2025 &nbsp;299 cases of mass shootings in the United States have been reported in which at least 225 people have died and 1,350 have been injured. The worst was the September 9 attack in San Francisco in which six people died, followed by the Cleveland and the Kansas City shooting in which 5 people had died, reported CNN, citing GVA data.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-not-wise-trump-blasted-netanyahu-in-heated-call-over-qatar-strike-that-blindsided-us-here-s-what-the-us-president-said-1757566859821"> 'Not wise': Trump blasted Netanyahu in heated call over Qatar strike that blindsided US - Here's what the US president said</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The report says that cases of mass shootings increased in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and has continued to rise since then. Maximum number of mass shootings, according to GVA took place in 2021.

Mass shootings in the United States is a common occurrence. Whether it is a crowded market place, mall, university campus or a school, people have been a witness to this heinous act everywhere in the past decade or so, with several becoming a prey to it. Latest in the list of a public shooting is conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead while speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 students at Utah Valley University. He was reportedly debating about gun violence when the attack happened. Mass shootings in the US fast facts The motive behind the act of the shooter, who is not in custody, is not yet known. However, it raises questions on gun violence prevalent in the US, that has seen several people, young or old even children become a victim. According to the Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit organization that tracks gun violence in the United States, there have been at least 299 mass shootings so far this year, leaving at least 225 people dead and 1,350 injured, reported CNN. Also Read: Sushila Karki: What did Nepal Gen Z leaders' favourite for interim PM say about Modi and India? Know more about her The report says that cases of mass shootings increased in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and has persisted since then. Maximum number of mass shootings - a whopping 689 across 44 states and Washington, DC - took place in 2021, since GVA began tracking them in 2013. Year with maximum cases reported Between 2019 and 2024 there have been mind boggling 3,517 cases of mass shootings across the United States. In 2019 the number was 413, while in 2020 and 2021 they were 610 and 689, respectively. In 2022 and 2023, the numbers were 642, 660, respectively. While 503 cases were reported in 2024, which has been the lowest total in a year since 2019. Incidents in 2025 So far, in 2025 299 cases of mass shootings in the United States have been reported in which at least 225 people have died and 1,350 have been injured. The worst was the September 9 attack in San Francisco in which six people died, followed by the Cleveland and the Kansas City shooting in which 5 people had died, reported CNN, citing GVA data. Also Read: 'Not wise': Trump blasted Netanyahu in heated call over Qatar strike that blindsided US - Here's what the US president said

<p>The report says that cases of mass shootings increased in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and has continued to rise since then. Maximum number of mass shootings, according to GVA took place in 2021.</p>

Charlie kirk shot dead as he spoke of 5700 US shootings. Gun violence killed 299 in 2025 alone and this data will shock you

<p>Charlie Kirk, a close ally of Donald Trump, was shot dead while addressing students at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old was struck once in the neck and died shortly after being taken to the hospital. Hundreds of students fled the event as panic spread throughout the crowd. Kirk’s wife and children were present, Senator Markwayne Mullins confirmed. Utah’s governor described the shooting as a “political assassination,” urging Americans to stop “hating” one another.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hunt-for-charlie-kirk-s-assassin-underway-second-suspect-released-as-utah-governor-warns-of-death-penalty-for-the-culprit-1757560578362"><strong>Hunt for Charlie Kirk's assassin underway: Second suspect released, as Utah governor warns of 'death penalty' for the culprit</strong></a></p><p>Campus police initially arrested a suspect who was later released after questioning. The FBI also detained a man described as a “subject”, but he too was released. A door-to-door manhunt for the gunman is now underway. President Trump, in a video statement, said he was “filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk,” calling him a patriot and declaring his death “a dark moment for America.”</p><h2><strong>What is Turning Point, the organisation founded by Charlie Kirk?</strong></h2><p>Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, when he was just 18 years old. The group began as a conservative activism organisation aimed at spreading right-wing ideas across US college campuses. According to its website, its mission is to “promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.” What started as a small grassroots effort soon expanded into a major conservative youth network with chapters in more than 850 colleges.</p><h2><strong>From student movement to influencer network</strong></h2><p>Turning Point USA has grown beyond its original remit. Kirk himself rose to prominence as “one of the most powerful voices in the young right-wing conservative movement.” Turning Point’s events, media platforms and podcasts are widely credited with helping drive young voter support for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Trump has openly embraced the group’s influence. Last year, he delivered a speech at a Turning Point conference in Arizona.</p>

Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. His family witnessed the attack. Authorities released two suspects, and a manhunt is ongoing. Trump condemned the killing.

Charlie Kirk, a close ally of Donald Trump, was shot dead while addressing students at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old was struck once in the neck and died shortly after being taken to the hospital. Hundreds of students fled the event as panic spread throughout the crowd. Kirk’s wife and children were present, Senator Markwayne Mullins confirmed. Utah’s governor described the shooting as a “political assassination,” urging Americans to stop “hating” one another. Also read: Hunt for Charlie Kirk's assassin underway: Second suspect released, as Utah governor warns of 'death penalty' for the culprit Campus police initially arrested a suspect who was later released after questioning. The FBI also detained a man described as a “subject”, but he too was released. A door-to-door manhunt for the gunman is now underway. President Trump, in a video statement, said he was “filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk,” calling him a patriot and declaring his death “a dark moment for America.” What is Turning Point, the organisation founded by Charlie Kirk? Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, when he was just 18 years old. The group began as a conservative activism organisation aimed at spreading right-wing ideas across US college campuses. According to its website, its mission is to “promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.” What started as a small grassroots effort soon expanded into a major conservative youth network with chapters in more than 850 colleges. From student movement to influencer network Turning Point USA has grown beyond its original remit. Kirk himself rose to prominence as “one of the most powerful voices in the young right-wing conservative movement.” Turning Point’s events, media platforms and podcasts are widely credited with helping drive young voter support for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Trump has openly embraced the group’s influence. Last year, he delivered a speech at a Turning Point conference in Arizona.

<p>Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. His family witnessed the attack. Authorities released two suspects, and a manhunt is ongoing. Trump condemned the killing.</p>

Charlie Kirk built Turning Point into a conservative powerhouse at the age of 18. What happens now?

<p>The gunman who killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk has not been caught, despite hours of searching, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. Confusion deepened after FBI Director Kash Patel said a suspect was in custody, only to later admit the man had been released following questioning. “Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in the interest of transparency,” Patel said.</p><h2><strong>Wrong suspects released</strong></h2><p>The first man detained, 71-year-old George Zinn, was later ruled out as the shooter. Another man, Zachariah Qureshi, was also taken into custody and questioned but released soon after. The FBI now says the search for the real gunman remains active.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/charlie-kirk-s-last-post-on-ukrainian-refugee-s-stabbing-goes-viral-after-his-death-fbi-says-subject-in-custody-1757545073636"><strong>Charlie Kirk's last post on Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska's stabbing goes viral; FBI says 'subject in custody'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Kirk shot during student event</strong></h2><p>Kirk, 31, was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 students at Utah Valley University when he was shot once in the neck. The bullet came from the Losee Centre, around 200 yards away, a university spokesperson told The New York Times. The Turning Point USA founder died shortly afterwards. US President Donald Trump later confirmed his death.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-patriot-youth-whisperer-and-trusted-trump-ally-who-was-charlie-kirk-and-what-were-his-views-on-gun-violence-1757543566510"><strong>Right-wing's 'youth whisperer' and trusted Trump ally: Who was Charlie Kirk?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Governor calls it a political assassination</strong></h2><p>Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the attack as a “political assassination” and vowed justice. “To whoever did this, we will find you, we will try you and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law,” he said, adding that Utah still enforces the death penalty. He also recalled Kirk as “first and foremost, a husband and a dad to two children,” calling it a “dark day for our state” and a “tragic day for our nation.”</p><h2><strong>Heavy security failed to stop attack</strong></h2><p>Utah Valley police chief Jeff Long said six officers were on duty for the event, alongside Kirk’s own security detail. “You try to get your bases covered, and unfortunately, today, we didn’t,” Long said. “Because of that, we have this tragic incident,” he added. Videos showed the moment Kirk was struck, as blood poured from his neck and students scrambled for safety.</p>

The gunman who killed Charlie Kirk remains at large. Two suspects were wrongly detained and released. The FBI confirmed the investigation is ongoing, despite earlier confusion over an arrest.

The gunman who killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk has not been caught, despite hours of searching, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. Confusion deepened after FBI Director Kash Patel said a suspect was in custody, only to later admit the man had been released following questioning. “Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in the interest of transparency,” Patel said. Wrong suspects released The first man detained, 71-year-old George Zinn, was later ruled out as the shooter. Another man, Zachariah Qureshi, was also taken into custody and questioned but released soon after. The FBI now says the search for the real gunman remains active. Also read: Charlie Kirk's last post on Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska's stabbing goes viral; FBI says 'subject in custody' Kirk shot during student event Kirk, 31, was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 students at Utah Valley University when he was shot once in the neck. The bullet came from the Losee Centre, around 200 yards away, a university spokesperson told The New York Times. The Turning Point USA founder died shortly afterwards. US President Donald Trump later confirmed his death. Also read: Right-wing's 'youth whisperer' and trusted Trump ally: Who was Charlie Kirk? Governor calls it a political assassination Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the attack as a “political assassination” and vowed justice. “To whoever did this, we will find you, we will try you and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law,” he said, adding that Utah still enforces the death penalty. He also recalled Kirk as “first and foremost, a husband and a dad to two children,” calling it a “dark day for our state” and a “tragic day for our nation.” Heavy security failed to stop attack Utah Valley police chief Jeff Long said six officers were on duty for the event, alongside Kirk’s own security detail. “You try to get your bases covered, and unfortunately, today, we didn’t,” Long said. “Because of that, we have this tragic incident,” he added. Videos showed the moment Kirk was struck, as blood poured from his neck and students scrambled for safety.

<p>The gunman who killed Charlie Kirk remains at large. Two suspects were wrongly detained and released. The FBI confirmed the investigation is ongoing, despite earlier confusion over an arrest.</p>

Hunt for Charlie Kirk's assassin underway: Second suspect released, as Utah governor warns of 'death penalty' for the culprit