Conservative political figure Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while addressing an audience at a college in Utah on September 9, according to reports from President Donald Trump and the New York Times.

Kirk was a well-known personality in right-wing media and the head of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization focused on youth activism. He rose to fame on social media in 2012 at the young age of 18, and over time, he turned Turning Point USA into a notable conservative political entity.

As distressing videos of the incident circulated online, President Donald Trump, alongside politicians from all sides, supporters, and detractors, expressed their condolences and prayers. On his Truth Social platform, the President stated, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A remarkable person through and through. GOD BLESS HIM!”

Shortly thereafter, the President revealed that Kirk had succumbed to his injuries. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Mr. Trump shared on Truth Social, further adding, “He was cherished and respected by EVERYONE, particularly me, and now, he is no longer with us.”

Mashable is opting not to distribute footage of the shooting, which depicts Kirk addressing a large gathering at an event hosted by Utah Valley University. The clip shows Kirk responding to an inquiry about mass shootings while seated beneath a Turning Point USA tent adorned with slogans “Prove Me Wrong” and “The American Comeback.” As he speaks, his head abruptly jolts back, and he suffers a serious neck injury as the audience erupts in panic and flees the area.

The New York Times indicated that a shooter discharged a single bullet from a building approximately 200 yards away from Kirk. The Times initially reported that a suspect was apprehended at the scene, but later clarified that law enforcement has since concluded that this individual was not the shooter. NBC News conveyed that no suspects are currently in custody, as per a spokesperson from Utah Valley University.

Social media users circulated clips of an older white man being arrested; however, misleading video content often gains traction following such tragedies, and internet detectives have been known to incorrectly identify suspects in the wake of a shooting.

Prominent political and public figures issued messages of shock, dismay, and sympathy in the aftermath of the shooting.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated as new information becomes available…