skip to contentAdvertisementPresident Trump says Charlie Kirk’s widow is “absolutely devastated” after the conservative activist was gunned down during his Utah event. The FBI has launched a $100,000 manhunt for the killer.September 12, 2025 04:57 AM IST First published on: Sep 12, 2025 at 04:55 AM ISTJoinShare ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookJD Vance Flies to Utah, Will Accompany Charlie Kirk’s Family to Phoenix (Photo: AP, Instagram)On Thursday, President Trump told reporters he had “a long talk” with Erika Frantzve, Charlie Kirk’s wife. He said she is “absolutely devastated.” Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem on September 10. The 31-year-old had started a multi-city tour called the “American Comeback” tour. While on stage, Kirk was engaging with the audience on questions about gun violence when a single sniper’s bullet struck him in the neck. He fell off his chair as blood poured from the wound.After condemning the attack and calling it a dark moment for America, President Donald Trump expressed grief over losing one of his closest allies. “Radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent people,” he said. Charlie Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika and their two young children. “I spoke to Erika, his wife. And we had a long talk,” Trump told reporters on Thursday. “She’s devastated. Absolutely devastated, as you can imagine.” He went on to call the shooter “an animal, a total animal, and hopefully they’ll catch him.” Trump said he has an “indication” of what may have driven the killer but refused to elaborate, only adding that there have been “rapid developments” in the investigation. He made the remarks while departing the White House, according to NBC.JD Vance arrives at UtahVice President JD Vance flew to Utah on Air Force Two to meet Kirk’s family and friends, sources told NBC. From there, Kirk’s casket will be flown to Phoenix with his family, joined by Vance and the second lady. Vance is expected to accompany the family on the flight and pay his respects to the conservative activist.After the shooting, police briefly took two people into custody for questioning but later released them. The real gunman is still at large. Earlier, FBI released surveillance photos of a person of interest: a tall, thin man wearing dark clothes, wrap-around sunglasses, and a T-shirt with an eagle and an American flag that included the words “Land of the free, home of the brave.” The FBI is offering up to $100,000 for information that leads to the shooter’s arrest.Most ReadDonald Trump said he will posthumously award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Kirk had remained a staunch Republican since Trump’s first term in the White House and played an active role in campaigning for him during the 2024 presidential run. Trump praised Kirk on Truth Social and called him “a giant of his generation” and “an inspiration to millions.” Trump also said he plans to attend Kirk’s funeral, which he believes will be next weekend in Arizona.Turning Point USA, Kirk’s group, said the organisation “lost a leader, a mentor, and a friend.” They said Kirk had received thousands of threats in his life but still kept speaking to young people. “Charlie was no stranger to threats,” they said in a statement. “He received thousands throughout his life. But he always prioritized reaching as many young Americans as possible over his own personal safety.”(With Inputs from NBC, Independent)AdvertisementAdvertisementYou May Like