The 31-year-old, who was a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead at a university event in Utah on Wednesday afternoon (September 10).
In a video message posted to social media after the incident, Trump said: “I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk.
“He inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror.”
“Where I was at, in the group of counterprotestors, there was actually some excitement, some people that were seen to be celebrating.”
Eyewitness Adam Bartholomew describes some of the scenes after Trump ally Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in Utah. #Newsnight pic.twitter.com/PHJzfKQ5tE
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) September 10, 2025
Two people who had been arrested over the shooting were later released, the FBI revealed.
What did Keir Starmer say about Charlie Kirk killing?
Prime Minister Starmer condemned the killing in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) and said his thoughts were with Kirk’s family.
He wrote: “My thoughts this evening are with the loved ones of Charlie Kirk.
“It is heartbreaking that a young family has been robbed of a father and a husband.
“We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear – there can be no justification for political violence.”
My thoughts this evening are with the loved ones of Charlie Kirk.
It is heartbreaking that a young family has been robbed of a father and a husband.
We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear – there can be no justification for political violence.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 10, 2025
Who was Charlie Kirk?
According to Sky News, Kirk was the chief executive and co-founder of Turning Point USA.
This is a “prominent organisation that engages conservative youth on school campuses”.
Kirk and Turning Point USA played a key role in driving youth support forTrump in last November’s presidential election.
His events at college campuses nationwide typically draw large crowds.
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Trump often spoke favourably about Kirk, including multiple times on the campaign trail last year.
Kirk drew controversy for his opinions on gun control, anti-transgender views and scepticism over the Covid-19 pandemic, among many topics.
He married the businesswoman Erika Frantzve in 2021, and the couple had two children together.
