US political activist Charlie Kirk dead after being shot in neck during event in Utah

LOS ANGELES -- Charlie Kirk, an American political activist and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, died after being shot in the neck on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University.

"In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 PM," US President Donald Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform after confirming the death of Kirk, a Trump ally.

The local Deseret News reported that Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz earlier said Kirk's death was confirmed to him by Utah law enforcement officials.

Footage shot by local KSL TV 5 showed crowds of people running from the university's courtyard, where Kirk, 31, was holding a speaking event when the shooting occurred.

The university confirmed the shooting on its official X page. "Today at about 12:10 a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk. He was hit and taken from the location by his security," it said.

Kirk was visiting the campus as part of his "Prove Me Wrong" event. The event included Kirk inviting people on stage from the audience to debate political ideals with him.

A video posted online by bystanders showed that Kirk appeared to be hit in the neck after a gunshot rang out.

"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," said Utah Governor Spencer Cox on X.

Also on Wednesday, another shooting took place at Evergreen High School in Denver city, the US state of Colorado, leaving three people in critical condition, according to media reports.