Trump denounces ‘political assasination’ of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk: Video
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and a right-wing activist, was shot dead on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, in what President Donald Trump described as an act of “terrorism” tied to the radical left.
Kirk, 31, was struck in the neck by a single gunshot shortly after noon while addressing an audience of about 3,000 people. Footage shows him instantly collapsing from his chair as panicked attendees fled.
Authorities said the gunman likely fired from a rooftop at a significant distance. They have yet to name the suspect as Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, said the shooter remained at large.
In a video address taped in the Oval Office and posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Kirk’s killing as a national tragedy and a dark moment in U.S. history.
“To my great fellow Americans, I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah,” Trump said. “Charlie inspired millions, and tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror.”
Trump praised Kirk, who became known for his campus debate series "Prove Me Wrong, for championing public discourse.
“Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much, the United States of America. He fought for liberty, democracy, justice, and the American people. He’s a martyr for truth and freedom, and there has never been anyone who was so respected by youth,” the president said.
Calling Kirk “the best of America,” Trump urged the country to reflect on the dangers of political rhetoric. Shortly after, he accused opponents on the radical left of fuelling political violence.
“It’s long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonising those with whom you disagree — day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible,” he said.
“For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals. This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today. And it must stop right now.”
Trump, a victim of two separate assassination attempts in July and September last year, vowed a strong response to Kirk’s killing.
“My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organisations that fund it and support it, as well as those who go after our judges, law enforcement officials, and everyone else who brings order to our country,” he said.
Kirk’s appearance was the first stop of a planned 15-event “American Comeback Tour” at universities across the country, where he regularly engaged students in live debates.
Trump ordered all U.S. government flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday in Kirk’s honour. A moment of prayer was also offered for Kirk and his family at the House of Representatives.
“An assassin tried to silence him with a bullet, but he failed because together we will ensure that his voice, his message and his legacy will live on for countless generations to come,” Trump said.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
