Who was Charlie Kirk? Young MAGA star behind Turning Point USA shot dead at 31

Gunshots rang out at an event hosted by conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley Universityon Wednesday, according to police.

Utah Valley University police confirmed that the campus was placed under shelter-in-place protocols following the incident, though they declined to provide details about Kirk's condition.

Turning Point USA has verified that Kirk was struck by gunfire during an event for the conservative youth organisation.

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"We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie," said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA.

Footage shared on social media from Utah Valley University captures Kirk addressing attendees through a handheld microphone whilst seated beneath a white marquee displaying the messages "The American Comeback" and "Prove Me Wrong" just moments before the shooting occurred, reports the Express US.

"Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father," Vice President JD Vance wrote on X.

"We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation," FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X.

Who is Charlie Kirk?

Charlie Kirk is a political activist, author, and media personality best known as the co-founder and head of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a conservative youth organisation established in 2012. Born on 14 October 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Kirk briefly studied at Harper College before deciding to fully commit his career to activism.

Kirk has successfully established a powerful platform for media and activism aimed at engaging the younger American generation.

He is known for utilising online debate culture to initiate discussions with those who hold differing views from his own and answer queries from university students.

Kirk has penned five books advocating a right-wing agenda and supporting President Donald Trump and the Make America Great Again movement. Kirk is married to Erika Frantzve. They were married in Scottsdale, Arizona, on May 8, 2021. Kirk has two children.

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