The President of the United States, Donald Trump, held the radical left responsible for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot this Wednesday while giving a lecture at a public university in Utah. In a message from the White House, he promised justice and stated that his administration would pursue all those who have contributed, directly or indirectly, to this crime.
“Charlie was a patriot who dedicated his life to the cause of open debate and the country he loves so much, the United States of America. He is a martyr for truth and freedom,” Trump said. “There has never been anyone so respected by young people. He was a man of deep faith, and it comforts us to know that he is now at peace with God in heaven.”
Trump stated that the assassination is a consequence of toxic rhetoric fueled by the political left. “For years, radical left sectors have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and mass murderers. That hateful rhetoric is directly responsible for the political terrorism we are witnessing in our country today, and it must end right now.”
The president announced that his administration will deploy all state resources to pursue those responsible. “We will find every person who has contributed to this atrocity, including the organizations that funded and promoted it, as well as those who attack our judges, law enforcement, and everyone who brings order to the country,” he said.
He recalled other episodes of violence that, he claimed, share the same pattern: the assassination attempt on his life last July, the murder of a health executive in New York, the attack on ICE agents, and the shooting against Congressman Steve Scalise.
Trump also ordered that all the flags in the country be flown at half-mast until Sunday at 6:00 p.m., as a tribute to what he described as “the great, and even legendary Charlie Kirk.” “Charlie was loved and admired by all, especially by me. He is no longer with us, but his voice and legacy will live on forever.”
The attack and the investigation
The attack occurred around 1:00 p.m. during a public event on the campus of Utah Valley University in the city of Orem. Kirk was shot in the neck while answering questions from the audience. The shooter is believed to have acted from a rooftop about 200 meters away from the scene, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.
The incident was initially reported when Kirk was injured during an outdoor conference as part of his new tour across American universities. His condition was reported as critical before his death was confirmed.
Shortly after, Charlie Kirk's death was confirmed by Trump himself on his social media, generating a wave of reactions both inside and outside the Republican Party.
After that, he ordered that all United States flags be flown at half-mast until Sunday at 6:00 p.m., in honor of what he called "a true great American patriot." The measure was announced on his official profile on Truth Social, where it received tens of thousands of reactions and expressions of support.
Despite the police and federal deployment, the perpetrator remains at large. Two individuals were initially detained but were released after questioning. So far, authorities have not publicly confirmed a specific motive for the attack, although they maintain that it was a targeted assault against a single person. This contrasts with President Trump's statements, who directly attributed the murder to the "rhetoric of radical left" in the country. Nonetheless, the investigation remains open, and the crime has not been officially linked to political motivations.
The FBI, in collaboration with local and state authorities, has requested the public's assistance. "We have all available resources, including tactical teams, intelligence, operational personnel, and investigators. This agency will support and lead the investigation alongside our partners," said Robert Bohls, special agent in Salt Lake City.
The university community has reported possible failures in security protocols during the event, which is also part of the investigation.
Political reactions
The crime shocked the country and generated reactions from political leaders across all parties. Former President George W. Bush expressed sorrow that “a young person was coldly murdered while expressing his political ideas,” and called for the eradication of violence from public life.
Bill Clinton also spoke out: “I hope that we all engage in deep introspection and redouble our efforts to debate passionately, but peacefully.”
Former President Barack Obama wrote: "We still do not know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will pray for Charlie's family tonight, especially for his wife Erika and their two young children."
Joe Biden also expressed his condolences: "There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for the family and loved ones of Charlie Kirk."
Who was Charlie Kirk?
At just 31 years old, Charlie Kirk was one of the most prominent figures in American conservatism and a close political ally of Trump. He founded the organization Turning Point USA in 2012 and was dedicated to spreading conservative ideas in universities and high schools across the United States.
The son of an architect and a therapist, he grew up in a suburb of Chicago. He unsuccessfully attempted to enter the military academy at West Point and dropped out of college to focus on activism. His confrontational rhetoric and open defense of the right to bear arms made him a controversial yet highly influential figure within MAGA movement circles.
Kirk was the host of a daily podcast with millions of followers and an organizer of events where he would debate with students on sensitive topics such as climate change, faith, abortion, and gender identity. He participated in Republican Party conferences and received direct praise from Trump, who said he had been instrumental in mobilizing the youth vote in the 2024 elections.
He was married to Erika Frantzve, a former Miss Arizona, with whom he had two young children. Shortly before the attack, he wrote on X: "Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Return Tour."
In his speeches, Kirk defended the right to bear arms even at the cost of lives: “It is worth paying, unfortunately, for some gun deaths each year so that we can have the Second Amendment.” Following his assassination, this phrase has been recalled by critics who accuse him of having fallen victim to the very logic he promoted.
Frequently Asked Questions about the murder of Charlie Kirk
Who was Charlie Kirk and why was he an influential figure?
Charlie Kirk was a conservative political activist and the founder of Turning Point USA, an organization dedicated to promoting conservative ideas in universities and schools across the United States. He was known for his confrontational speech and for advocating the right to bear arms. Kirk was a close ally of President Donald Trump and had become an influential figure in the MAGA movement, particularly among young people.
How did the murder of Charlie Kirk happen?
Charlie Kirk was shot while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University. He was struck in the neck by an assailant who acted from a rooftop about 200 meters away from the scene. Although the attack was initially reported as an isolated incident, President Trump attributed it to the "rhetoric of the radical left."
What reactions did the assassination of Charlie Kirk generate?
The assassination of Charlie Kirk shocked the nation and sparked reactions from political leaders across all parties. Donald Trump promised justice and blamed the radical left for the climate of political violence. Leaders such as Barack Obama and Joe Biden expressed their condolences and called for a more peaceful debate. There were also critical comments regarding his pro-gun stance, as Kirk had stated that "deaths from firearms are the price of freedom."
What is the current status of the investigation into Charlie Kirk's murder?
The author of the shot that killed Charlie Kirk remains at large, and authorities are continuing to investigate the case. Although two people were initially detained, they were released after questioning. So far, no specific motive for the attack has been confirmed, but the FBI and other agencies are working to find the perpetrator and have requested public assistance.
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