Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot on Wednesday while speaking to a crowd of thousands at an event at Utah Valley University.
Kirk is reported to be in critical condition at a local hospital.
Video from the event documented the shooting as a gunshot rings out and Kirk falls backward. The video showed Kirk bleeding heavily from a wound near his neck.
Officials say a shooter is in custody.
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz was at the event. The Republican was visibly shaken as he relayed the account to Fox News on air, saying that he heard the shot and saw Kirk fall over. “It seemed like it was a close shot,” Chaffetz said.
“We are confirming that he was shot, and we are praying for Charlie,” said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA.
President Trump is calling for prayers for Kirk, writing on his Truth Social site, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
DEVELOPING….
As a young entrepreneur, Kirk founded Turning Point in 2012. As a high school senior, he found himself disappointed when he asked national conservative leaders about resources for youth outreach.
Turning Point’s strategy centers on conversations with college students, many of whom have never been exposed to the intellectual rigor behind conservative principles.
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