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Conservative activist and Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at a youth event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon. The 31-year-old political commentator, a close supporter of US President Donald Trump, was hit in the neck as he fielded questions from the audience. The dramatic incident, which was caught on camera, has caused outrage on social media and is heightening demands for greater action against the increasing use of political violence in the United States.

Chaos At Utah Valley University

Eyewitnesses and online videos indicated Kirk speaking beneath a tent with slogans "The American Comeback" and "Prove Me Wrong." While Kirk was answering a query regarding mass shootings, a solitary gunshot was heard, and he could be seen holding his neck with blood gushing out. There was panic in the courtyard as students and supporters were screaming and running for cover.

Graphic Warning: The following video contains disturbing scenes of murder. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

Former Congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was present, told Fox News that the attack appeared to come from close range. “I heard one shot and saw Charlie collapse. There wasn’t enough security for an event of this scale,” he said, describing the atmosphere as chaotic.

Confusion Over Suspect’s Status

Law enforcement agencies issued conflicting statements about the suspect’s status. FBI Director Kash Patel said a subject had been detained and later released after interrogation, clarifying that the investigation was ongoing. However, Utah’s Department of Public Safety Chief Beau Mason insisted the shooter was still at large and that authorities believed the incident was a “targeted attack.”

Orem Mayor David Young confirmed that an individual who was originally taken into custody is not the shooter. Utah Governor Spencer Cox referred to the detained person as a "person of interest." The confusing messages from agencies have raised more questions regarding security breaches and the investigation progress.

Rise Of Political Violence In US

Charlie Kirk's visit to Utah Valley University had already attracted controversy. Close to 1,000 students signed an online petition calling on administrators to exclude him from speaking, but the university justified its decision in the name of free speech and intellectual diversity. Days prior to the event, Kirk himself took to X, posing the question as to why his visits to Utah were under attack.

The passing of Charlie Kirk elicited a wave of reactions from all corners of the political divide. US President Donald Trump, in a write-up on Truth Social, referred to him as "Great, and even Legendary," and said, "No one knew or had the Heart of the Youth of America better than Charlie." He also called on Americans to pray for Kirk's family. Some Republican and Democratic legislators also denounced the violence, many of them pointing out the growing trend of politically driven attacks. The office of the Utah governor stated security on campuses would be examined.

ALSO READ: Who Was Charlie Kirk? Trump Loyalist And 'Turning Point USA' Founder Remembered After Tragic Utah Shooting

The killing takes place against a backdrop of politically motivated violence in the country, including the murder of a Minnesota state legislator earlier this year and an attempt to assassinate Donald Trump at a campaign rally in 2024. Experts say that America is seeing a deadly spiral of political animosity with activists, legislators, and even governors becoming targets of choice.

ALSO READ: Charlie James Kirk, Trump's Key Aide And MAGA Youth Leader, Shot Dead At Utah Valley University; US President Reacts

As an investigation is still ongoing, it's still unclear who was responsible for the deadly attack, and how somebody as high-profile as he was left exposed at a public event. For the time being, his death leaves a gap in the conservative youth movement he helped form.