Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has been shot at an event at a university in Utah.
Mr Kirk was addressing a large crowd at Utah Valley University when the incident happened, with his condition not immediately clear.
“We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA, a student group founded by Mr Kirk.
A spokesperson for the university said that a shot was fired from a nearby building and that a suspect was in custody.
Charlie Kirk is a close ally of US President Donald Trump
An alert sent to students said one person was being detained.
“A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now, suspect in custody,” the alert said, according to local outlet Deseret News.
Video of the incident circulating on social media showed Mr Kirk addressing a large outdoor crowd when a loud crack that sounded like a gunshot rang out.
Mr Kirk can be seen briefly moving his hand to his neck as he falls off his chair, sending the attendees running.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/GqYC4QdhA1
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 10, 2025
US President Donald Trump, a close ally of Mr Kirk, urged people to pray for Mr Kirk.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom.” he wrote on Truth Social.
The FBI are monitoring reports of the shooting, its Director Kash Patel said.
“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” he said on X.
“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected.”
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…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025
He said FBI agents would be on the scene quickly.
US Vice President JD Vance asked for prayers, describing him as a “genuinely good guy and a young father”.
Christine Nelson, from Utah Valley University police, confirmed only that “we did have shots fired. We’ve asked people to shelter in place.”
Mr Kirk, an activist and the founder of conservative student group Turning Point USA, played a key role in driving youth support for Mr Trump in November. His events at college campuses across the US typically draw large crowds.
The shooting comes amid a spike in political violence in the US across all parts of the ideological spectrum.
The attacks include the assassination of a Minnesota state politician and her husband at their house in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages, and a fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, who is Jewish, in April.
The highest profile of these events is the shooting of Mr Trump during a campaign rally last year.