United States President Donald Trump has expressed deep grief and anger over the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down during a speech at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA was struck by a sniper’s bullet in what investigators have called a targeted attack.
The killing has triggered a massive manhunt, with federal and state agencies combing Utah for the shooter, who remains at large. Trump, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff in Kirk’s honor, condemned the act as “radical left political violence,” as tributes and outrage poured in from political figures nationwide.
Update on the shooting incident..
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A manhunt is ongoing for the killer of conservative activist and influential Trump ally Charlie Kirk, who died after being shot at a university in Utah
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Two people who were arrested have since been released – officials say they have “no current ties” to the shooting
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It’s not clear if police have any leads on the gunman – but authorities don’t seem to think they’re still on campus, our reporter at Utah Valley University writes
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Meanwhile, Trump says he is “filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination”, calling it a “dark moment for America” in a video message
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Trump is visibly angry and upset – this feels like a dangerous moment in America, our North America editor Sarah Smith writes
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Officials believe Kirk was shot from a roof – BBC Verify examines a video which people claim could show a gunman.
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Kirk, who founded conservative group Turning Point USA aged 18, was close to the president and his family
