The death of Charlie Kirk – founder of Turning Point, a close ally of Mr. Trump – in the shooting at Utah Valley University shocked American politics.
Trump lowers flags to commemorate assassinated ally
Phuong Linh Thursday, September 11, 2025 09:21 (GMT+7)The death of Charlie Kirk – founder of Turning Point, a close ally of Mr. Trump – in the shooting at Utah Valley University shocked the US political scene.
On September 10 (local time), Mr. Charlie Kirk, 31 years old, a close ally of US President Donald Trump and founder of the non-profit organization Turning Point promoting conservative politics, died after a shocking shooting on the campus of Utah Valley University (Orem city, Utah state), according to the New York Times.
On social media, President Trump emotionally wrote: “The great, even legendary, Charlie Kirk has passed away. He was loved and admired by everyone, especially me”.
The White House later announced that the President had ordered flags across the United States to be flown at half-staff until 6 p.m. on September 14 to commemorate Mr. Kirk.
The incident also sparked outrage in American politics. Both Republicans and Democrats strongly condemned the violence. California Governor Gavin Newsom called it “disgusting, despicable and reprehensible.”
Former President Barack Obama also wrote on social media: “We don’t yet know the motive of the gunman who killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.”
On social media, videos were circulated capturing the tragic moment: while Kirk was speaking outdoors in front of about 3,000 students during the debate on the topic “Prove Me Wrong,” a gunshot suddenly rang out. He collapsed on stage as blood spurted from his neck.
Utah Valley University spokeswoman Ellen Treanor said the shooting occurred about 20 minutes after Kirk began his presentation. The suspect opened fire from the Losee Center, a building more than 300 feet from the scene.
Authorities are currently searching for the perpetrator. The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Orem City Police, Utah Valley University Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Utah Department of Public Safety. The campus has been locked down and classes have been suspended.