U.S. right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk is in critical condition after being shot on Wednesday at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

Kirk, 31, is an influential ally of President Donald Trump and co-founder of Turning Point USA, the largest conservative youth organization in the country.

He was taken to a hospital, Fox News reported. A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that he was in critical condition. A suspect was in custody, the college said. 

A spokesperson told NBC News that Kirk was giving a presentation when shots were fired and “to the best of our knowledge he was hit and taken with his security team away from the premises.”

Video of the incident circulating on social media showed Kirk addressing a large outdoor crowd when a loud crack that sounded like a gunshot rang out. Kirk can be seen briefly moving his hand to his neck as he falls off his chair, sending the attendees running.

“A shot was fired from a nearby building and we have a suspect in custody,” a university spokesperson told Reuters in an email.

Local TV station KSL-TV aired video of an older man wearing a blue shirt being led away by police following the attack.

“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” FBI Director Kash Patel said on X. “Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected.”

Kirk, an activist and the founder of conservative student group Turning Point USA, played a key role in driving youth support for Trump last November. His events at college campuses nationwide typically draw large crowds.

Kirk has been an effective voice for the conservative movement. He has 5.2 million followers on X and hosts a popular podcast and radio program, The Charlie Kirk Show. He has also recently co-hosted Fox & Friends on Fox News.

U.S. President Donald Trump called for prayers.

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Both Republican and Democratic politicians expressed support for Kirk following the shooting.

“Political violence is NEVER acceptable,” Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, said on X. “My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family.”

Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre also responded on social media, writing on X, “We must all strongly denounce the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Political violence is NEVER justified.”