President Trump appealed for prayers for conservative activist Charlie Kirk after the Turning Point USA co-founder was reportedly hit by a gunshot on Wednesday during his appearance at an event at Utah Valley University.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump said on Truth Social.
Kirk’s condition was not immediately clear. Videos circulating appeared to show he was speaking to a crowd before being struck in the neck.
“Please pray,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X, sharing Trump’s post.
Vice President Vance also weighed in, posting on X, “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
The Utah Valley University Police confirmed to The Hill that shots had been fired. The FBI said they were monitoring the situation.
“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X.
Kirk is an influential voice in the MAGA movement and is a prominent ally of Trump.
Last July, Trump experienced a bloodied moment during an assassination attempt at a Butler, Pa., campaign rally, causing shockwaves in the political landscape. A bullet grazed his ear, leading him to raise his fist defiantly as blood ran down his face, capturing a defining image for his campaign.
Numerous lawmakers shared their reactions to the incident involving Kirk. Among them was Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who commented, “This is a sick and despicable attack. I am praying for Charlie Kirk and his family. Please join me.”
Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom (Calif.) called the attack on Kirk “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
“In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,” the governor said.
