Charlie Kirk shot during event at Utah Valley University

Founder and executive director of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk speaks at the opening of the Turning Point Action conference on July 15, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Charlie Kirk was shot at an event in Utah, at Utah Valley University in Orem on Thursday, according to reports from the scene.

Videos circulating on social media showed students scattering after a popping sound is heard and Kirk appears to be impacted by something. A suspect is in custody, according to a UVU alert sent to students, Deseret News reported.

“A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now, suspect in custody,” the UVU alert said.

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

FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X that the FBI is “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 investigation,” Patel said.

Kirk is a founder of Turning Point USA, an organization that advocates for conservative politics in educational institutions and a close ally of the president. He was speaking at the university as part of his American Comeback tour.

On Capitol Hill, dozens of congressional Republicans offered prayers for Kirk, with whom many GOP members have personal relationships.

U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform Chairman James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, paused the panel’s consideration of a bill and held a moment of silence after Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene informed the committee of the shooting.

Vice President JD Vance offered his own statement of support on X.

“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” he wrote.

This breaking story will be updated.

States Newsroom reporter Jacob Fischler contributed to this story from Washington, D.C.

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