Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk shot dead in Utah

American right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk has died at the age of 31 after being shot in the neck at an event in Utah.

Kirk, founder of the United States's pre-eminent right-wing youth group Turning Point USA, was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 at Utah Valley University as part of his "American Comeback Tour" on September 10. Video of the incident shows Kirk debating students about his political views when the gunshot rings out.

According to law enforcement, a single shot was fired at Kirk from the rooftop of a nearby building shortly after 12:00 p.m. local time.

A suspect has not yet been identified 12 hours after the incident and a multiagency manhunt for the shooter is ongoing. Two individuals who were taken into custody earlier were found not to be tied to the shooting and have been released.

Politicians and public figures of various political leanings have swiftly condemned the attack and denounced all acts of political violence.

U.S. President Donald Trump, for whom Kirk was a close ally and supporter, posted on his social media platform Truth Social to announce Kirk's death, calling Kirk "Great, and even Legendary."

"No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie," Trump said.

"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!"

Trump ordered American flags to be lowered to half-staff until Sunday evening. Some political commentators have credited Kirk with driving the young conservative voter turnout that helped Trump win the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who was the target of a politically motivated arson attack earlier this year, released a statement condemning the attack.

"We must speak with moral clarity," Shapiro said.

"The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying and this growing type of unconscionable violence cannot be allowed in our society."

Kirk is survived by his wife Erika, three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son.