Trump Confirms Charlie Kirk Is Dead

Charlie Kirk is dead, President Trump announced Wednesday, hours after the conservative commentator was shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was 31.

• "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "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!"
• In another post, Trump said he was ordering all American flags in the US be lowered to half-mast until 6pm Sunday to honor Kirk, "a truly Great American Patriot."

Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz said law enforcement officials told him the Turning Point USA founder had died, Deseret News reports. University officials say the shooter is not in custody. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he had spoken to Trump about Kirk's death, KSL News reports. "Working with the FBI and Utah law enforcement, we will bring to justice the individual responsible for this tragedy," he said. "Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected."