Charlie Kirk shot in neck, suspect in custody: Full details

What happened at Utah Valley University

Yesterday, Charlie Kirk was participating in a debate at Utah Valley University when he was shot during his speech. According to social media footage, the shooter struck him in the neck.

Later, media reports citing a university representative stated that the wounded Kirk, along with his security, was quickly removed from the scene. As reported, he was taken to a hospital, and people were evacuated from the university’s inner courtyard.

What is known about the assassination attempt and the shooter

According to unconfirmed reports, an unknown individual shot at Kirk from a neighboring building. The incident reportedly occurred 20 minutes after the activist’s speech began, although some sources suggest it happened just two minutes into the speech.

After the shooting, social media circulated footage of police detaining an elderly man. Some media speculated that the sniper was allegedly a Democratic Party member, Michael Mallinson.

However, the New York Times later cited a Utah University representative, stating that the man detained after the shooting was not the shooter. The source added that no suspect had been officially arrested yet, and police were continuing their investigation.

According to the latest updates, FBI Director Kash Patel officially confirmed that a suspect has now been taken into custody. The individual’s name has not been disclosed. On the social media platform X, Patel stated that further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Additionally, Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed during a briefing that the suspect is currently in custody and providing testimony.

He added that at that time, there was no information to suggest that another person had been involved.

Trump confirms the activist’s death

After the assassination attempt, media reports were very conflicting. Some outlets reported that Charlie Kirk was already dead, while others claimed he was alive but in critical condition.

However, US President Donald Trump soon posted on his social media, officially confirming the activist’s death.

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!,” wrote the White House chief.

Later, Trump published another post stating that he had ordered US flags to be lowered until 6:00 PM on Sunday in honor of Kirk.

Reactions to Kirk’s death

Billionaire Elon Musk called the US left a party following the shooting of the activist.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance responded to Trump’s post, writing: “Grant him eternal rest, Lord.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented. In his post, he said that he had invited Kirk to Israel and claimed that the activist was killed because he spoke the truth and defended freedom.

Netanyahu wrote that he had spoken with him just two weeks ago and had invited him to Israel, but unfortunately, that visit would not take place.

For a detailed analysis of who Charlie Kirk was, what he was known for, and his views on Ukraine, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.

The material was prepared using articles from NBC News, The New York Times, the social media page of FBI Director Kash Patel, US President Donald Trump’s social media, and other open sources.