Conservative activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk has died after being shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, President Donald Trump has confirmed.Trump posted on Truth Social: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”Kirk, 31, was head of Turning Point USA, one of the most influential conservative youth organisations in the United States, and a close confidant of Trump and his family. He was taking questions from students under a white gazebo at the Orem, Utah campus when a single shot was fired from a building about 200 yards away. Footage circulating online shows Kirk being asked about mass shootings before a loud bang, after which he jolts backwards with blood visible on his neck. Panic broke out as students screamed and fled.University spokeswoman Ellen Treanor confirmed that Kirk was struck about 20 minutes into his remarks. He was rushed away by his security team, but later succumbed to his injuries.Officials initially said a suspect had been taken into custody, though CBS later reported that the individual was released. Police confirmed a single shot was fired and that the investigation remains ongoing. The shooter has not been identified, and a motive is unclear.The FBI said it was “closely monitoring” the attack, while Attorney General Pam Bondi dispatched federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to assist local authorities. FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on social media: “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.”Witnesses described chaos in the aftermath, with one former Congressman, Jason Chaffetz, saying: “The shot came straight at him. Everyone hit the deck and scattered. It was shocking.”Reports suggest Kirk’s wife Erika and their two young children were present at the event. Senator Markwayne Mullin urged prayers for the family, writing: “Pray for [Kirk], his wife Erika, their two children, and all who were present at Utah Valley University.”The news has sent shockwaves through Washington. Trump, who had counted Kirk among his closest allies, urged Americans to pray for him, while Vice President JD Vance described Kirk as “a genuinely good guy and a young father”. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also condemned the shooting, saying political violence “has absolutely no place in our nation.”Kirk rose to prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA, building a massive social media following and shaping campus conservatism into a key pillar of Trump’s MAGA movement. He was known as a fierce critic of liberal policies, an evangelical Christian, and a highly polarising figure in U.S. politics.Utah Governor Spencer Cox said the attacker would “be held fully accountable”, adding: “Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act.”The campus remains closed as police continue their investigation into the killing of one of the most high-profile voices of the American right.•