Charlie Kirk dies after shooting: Trump
Charlie Kirk speaking with attendees at the 2022 AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo credit: Gage Skidmore)

Right-wing activist and close Trump ally Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday in Utah, President Donald Trump has announced.

Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University when he was shot after a question came up at the event about shooters and trans shooters.

Reports and video from the scene show he was shot in the neck. He was taken away from the scene in critical condition and later died.

Trump released a statement on Truth Social.

"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. 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!"