Trump ally Charlie Kirk killed in Utah shooting, suspect detained — FBI

Charlie Kirk, a prominent U.S. right-wing activist and executive director of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), has died after being shot during a political event at Utah Valley University, officials said.

FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X that the suspect in the shooting was now in custody, thanking state and local authorities for their cooperation. Utah’s Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said the attack appeared to be “a targeted assault on one individual,” with a single shot fired.

Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck during his speech and later died in hospital. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed his death, calling him a “great and even legendary” figure who was “loved and respected by everyone.” Trump ordered flags flown at half-mast.

Initial reports suggested an elderly man, George Zinn, had been arrested, but Utah officials clarified he was charged separately with obstructing justice and was not the shooter.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the killing “a political assassination.”

Kirk, father of two, co-founded TPUSA, a conservative youth organization. He was a close ally of Trump and spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2024, days after the assassination attempt on the then-presidential candidate.