Trump ally Charlie Kirk’s last words before Turning Point USA founder shot in neck at Utah speaking event

POLITICAL activist Charlie Kirk’s last words before being shot during a debate event are being shared on social media.

The right-wing activist was doing a Q&A at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when shots were fired at him on Wednesday afternoon.

AP:Associated Press

Kirk, 31, was invited to speak on behalf of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit that works with conservative youth on college campuses.

The event was previously described as a “high-energy evening featuring a candid conversation about conservative values.”

A video circulating on social media shows Kirk speaking from a tent with “The American Comeback” written on it as several shots are fired.

Right before he was shot, Kirk was discussing gun violence throughout the country.

“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” one audience member asked Kirk.

“Counting or not counting gang violence,” he replied before being cut off by the gunshots.

The moment the shots went off, Kirk seemed to recoil and fall into his chair.

Blood could be seen dripping down from his neck as the crowd began to panic.

Attendees could be heard screaming and chaotically fleeing the stage area.

Witness Justin Higgens told NBC News that he saw the speaker get hit by the bullet.

“We heard a big loud shot, I saw a bunch of blood come out of Charlie, I saw his body kind of kick back and go limp, and everybody dropped to the ground,” Hickens said.

As people began to dash for the exit, Hickens said he felt safe as no more gunshots rang out after Kirk was shot.

“I kind of turned around and all of a sudden I saw officers walking with this very elderly gentleman with white hair,” Hickens said.

“They had him arrested, they had him on his knees and he was screaming about his rights and all that stuff.

“They cuffed him and put him away.”

Utah Valley University said Kirk was the sole victim of the shooting and that a suspect is in custody.

“[Kirk] is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time,” Turning Point USA confirmed to NBC News.

A law enforcement agent anonymously told the Associated Press that Kirk is being treated and is in critical condition.

Utah governor Spencer Cox posted on X immediately after the shooting that he will hold those responsible “fully accountable.”

“I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today. We will continue to share updates,” the governor posted.

“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life.

“Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”

‘DISGUSTING’ ATTACK

Politicians and fellow political activists were quick to condemn the shooting of Charlie Kirk.

“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” Democratic California governor Gavin Newsom posted on X.

“In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”

President Donald Trump posted: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot.”

Trump has previously praised Kirk’s work in the Republican Party.

In January, the day before he was sworn into office, Trump said, “Charlie Kirk is here. And I want to thank Charlie.

“Charlie is fantastic. I mean, this guy.”

JD Vance was also quick to ask for prayers for Charlie and his family.

Vance posted a photo of himself with Charlie on X, writing: “Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour.”

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