![\"Follow](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/skynews-yalda-podcast_6910436.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRight-wing US influencer Charlie Kirk has been shot as he reportedly spoke during an event at Utah Valley University.<\/p>\n
The father-of-two is a 31-year-old conservative activist and well-known supporter of Donald Trump.<\/p>\n
Mr Kirk is the chief executive and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a prominent organisation that engages conservative youth on school campuses.<\/p>\n
“We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” said Aubrey Laitsch, the public relations manager for Turning Point USA.<\/p>\n
A university spokesperson told NBC News that Mr Kirk had been talking for about 20 minutes during a presentation when witnesses heard shots fired from a nearby building.<\/p>\n
The university has said a suspect is in custody.<\/p>\n
Videos on social media show Mr Kirk speaking into a microphone while sitting under a white tent with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong”.<\/p>\n
A single shot is heard and Mr Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as blood comes out from the left side of his neck.<\/p>\n
President Trump has commented, saying: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom.”<\/p>\n
The FBI is closely monitoring reports of a shooting involving Mr Kirk, according to FBI director Kash Patel.<\/p>\n
“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected,” Mr Patel wrote in a post on X. “Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”<\/p>\n
Vice President JD Vance responded to reports that Kirk was shot, encouraging others to “say a prayer” for the right-wing activist in a post on X.<\/p>\n
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