Updated as of 8:29 p.m. on Sept. 10 to include update from Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel

Updated as of 7:34 p.m. on Sept. 10 to include update about from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox regarding a person of interest. 

Updated as of 5:47 p.m. on Sept. 10 to include comment from president of Elon Univeristy's College Republicans. 

Updated as of 5:23 p.m. on Sept. 10 to include a information about Turning Point USA's statement regarding Kirk's death.

Updated as of 4:53 p.m. on Sept. 10 to include a Truth Social post from President Donald Trump.

Updated as of 4:21 p.m. on Sept. 10 to include updates on the suspect. 

Updated as of 4:09 p.m. on Sept. 10 to include updates on Charlie Kirk's condition. 

Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk has died after being shot in the neck at an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, according to a statement from Turning Point USA.

President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social announcing Kirk’s death prior to confirmation from Turning Point USA. 

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said at a press conference that a “person of interest” is in custody and currently being interviewed, but FBI Director Kash Patel later posted to X that the person has been released.

Kirk was the head of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth activist organization. 

President of Elon University College Republicans Andrew Cochran said that he believes the rise in violence toward political figures and activists does not fall in line with American beliefs. 

“This is America. You have the constitutional right to think what you believe and to be able to have those beliefs,” Cochran said. “It's also your complete American right to disagree with somebody. But that does not excuse anybody, regardless of either side, to commit acts of violence.”

Elon University College Democrats did not respond to Elon News Network’s immediate request for comment. 

Trump had previously called for prayers on a Truth Social post.

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot,” Trump said. “A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”

Vice President JD Vance also posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) asking Americans to pray for Kirk. 

California Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom said that America must reject political violence and described the shooting as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.” 

This is the 46th school shooting and 24th at a college campus this year, according to CNN.

Cochran also said the shooting occurring on a college campus is concerning. 

“The fact that this is happening to people that may not share the same views as others is pretty unsettling,” Cochran said. “It's very, very sad to see this happening on a college campus.”

Kirk spoke alongside Vivek Ramaswamy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill while on the “You’re Being Brainwashed” Tour on Oct. 21, 2024. He also visited East Carolina University on Nov. 3, 2024. 

Trump has ordered that all American flags be lowered to half-staff to honor Kirk until Sept. 14 at 6 p.m., according to the New York Times.