OREM, UT. - Conservative activist Charlie Kirk is reportedly dead after being shot Wednesday at Utah Valley University, where he was speaking at a debate.
The Associated Press reported at 4:48 p.m. on Sept. 10 that Kirk died according to president Donald Trump. The debate hosted by Kirk's Turning Point USA, was reportedly met with divided opinions on the campus.
AP reports that authorities are still searching for the shooter and that the person taken into custody at UVU was not the suspect. (AP)
“In light of today’s tragic events in Utah, we strongly condemn all forms of political violence. We cannot hate our way to a better America. We cannot commit horrific acts of wanton violence against those who may strongly disagree with us about matters of public policy. That is not democracy. It is not American," said House Minority Leader Jason Buckel and House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy of the Maryland House Republican Caucus. "We must make sure that every citizen of this nation, of all political persuasions, understands that violence in pursuit of silencing debate is never the answer and that no one should countenance these disgusting actions."
Videos posted to social media from UVU showed Kirk speaking to a large crowd from under a white tent with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” When Kirk was shot, AP reports that he was speaking on the topic of mass shootings.
Kirk was 31-years-old and co-founded the nonprofit political organization TPUSA in 2012. AP reports that authorities are still searching for the shooter and that the person taken into custody at UVU was not the suspect.
Leaders on both sides of the aisle are speaking out in response to Kirk’s death. Delaware Governor Matt Meyer ordered flags at state buildings to be lowered to half-staff, saying, “As Americans, we can and should be able to debate ideas vigorously without turning to violence… We condemn these actions in the strongest possible manner.”
U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware) added, “My prayers are with Charlie’s wife, Erika, and his two young children as they carry this grief and mourn this horrifying loss. I grew up during a time in our country when political violence became shockingly routine. America cannot backslide once again into that dark era.”
Maryland Eastern Shore Congressman Andy Harris said, “Charlie Kirk was an American patriot whose impact will never be forgotten. Nicole and I are praying for his wife, Erika, and his children during this time of unimaginable loss.”
A statement from Delaware Republican Party Chairman Gene Truono said, "He welcomed dialogue, encouraged respectful debate, and reminded us all that true tolerance means listening to one another, even when we disagree. Campus by campus, state by state, he changed the national conversation."
"As Americans, we owe it to one another to settle our political differences at the end of the campaign trail, not at the end of a rifle," said Delaware Democratic Party Chair, Evelyn Brady, regarding Kirk's death. "We also cannot ignore the role that guns have played in multiple tragedies yesterday, and it does not have to be that way. It makes no difference whether you are a firebrand political commentator, a sitting state legislator, or a student attending your first weeks of class. Gun violence can affect us all the same."