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Charlie Kirk is pictured just before a sniper's bullet© @charliekirk11 / X
Two years prior to his death from a gunshot, conservative pundit Charlie Kirk had controversially stated that gun deaths were "unfortunately worth it" to preserve the Second Amendment.
Just a week after a horrific shooting at Christian Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee in 2023, which claimed the lives of three children and three adults, Kirk declared at an event, "It's worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment."
According to an AP report, Kirk was giving a speech at a university when a gunshot rang out. Footage showed him bleeding as local law enforcement confirmed his transportation to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Warren has been branded a 'disgusting human' for her response to Kirk's death.
He was pronounced dead roughly ninety minutes after the shooting.
Charlie Kirk is pictured just before a sniper's bullet© Reach Publishing Services Limited
In the wake of his death, Kirk's past remarks on gun control began to circulate widely. At the same event in April, Kirk also told his audience: "You will never live in a society when you have an armed citizenry and you won't have a single gun death. That is nonsense. It's drivel. But I am-I think it's worth it," he said about gun rights, reports the Irish Star.
"I think it's worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational. Nobody talks like this. They live in a complete alternate universe," Kirk added.
Wednesday's shooting at a Utah university, which tragically ended the life of Kirk, was captured in chilling footage showing him collapsing backward after being shot.
According to Ellen Treanor, a spokeswoman for Utah Valley University, an individual who is not the shooter has been taken into custody. She further explained that Kirk was hit when the suspect fired a shot from the Losee Center, a building approximately 200 yards away from where Kirk was speaking.
The identities of the suspect and the other person in custody have not yet been revealed. Treanor clarified to the New York Times that the person in custody is not a student.
Kirk is known as the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. His company confirmed the incident.
"We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie," said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA.
Kirk was giving a speech at a debate organized by his nonprofit political group, Turning Point USA. The event had stirred controversy across the Utah Valley University campus.
Additional footage shows Kirk answering a question about "transgender shootings," just moments before the sound of gunfire filled the air.
In the video, a single gunshot can be heard and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as a significant amount of blood pours from the left side of his neck. Shocked spectators can be heard gasping and screaming before people start running from the scene.
A single gunshot rang out, local authorities confirmed. Campus officials immediately issued a shelter-in-place order.
Utah Valley University administrators locked down the facility and canceled classes for the rest of the day.
President Donald Trump swiftly took to Truth Social to offer his condolences. "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!".
US conservative political activist and YouTuber Charlie Kirk was assassinated two years after saying gun deaths were© AFP via Getty Images
Vice President JD Vance, who keeps in regular text contact with Kirk, also shared his prayers. "Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father," Vance posted on X.
Kirk's scheduled appearance at UVU had sparked divided responses across campus. An online petition calling on university officials to block Kirk's visit collected nearly 1,000 signatures.
The school issued a statement the week prior citing First Amendment rights and restating its "commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue."
The shooting triggered widespread anger, with both Democrats and Republicans voicing their concerns, views, and prayers on Twitter. Prominent conservative personality Nick Fuentes, posted: "This feels like a nightmare. One of the most horrific things I've ever seen.I feel absolutely gutted and devastated. Pray for Charlie Kirk's soul, his young family and for our country. The violence and hatred has to stop. Our country needs Christ now more than ever."
David Hogg, former DNC co-chair and survivor of the Parkland shooting, wrote: "Horrifying news that Charlie Kirk has been shot. Gun violence and political violence have to f****** stop. Charlie, his family, and all the students who had to witness the shooting are in my thoughts. We have disagreements, but we all agree something has to change."
Eric Trump also expressed his sorrow on social media: "Charlie Kirk is a great friend and an amazing person! Lara, Luke, Carolina and I will be praying for him, his wife Erika and their 2 children."
Pete Buttigieg condemned the act of political violence. "Horrific to hear that Charlie Kirk was shot today in Utah. Political violence must be always and totally be rejected. Praying for him and all who may have been injured or impacted," he penned.