Right-wing American influencer Charlie Kirk has been shot as he spoke during an event at Utah Valley University.
Mr Kirk had been talking for about 20 minutes during a presentation in Orem when witnesses heard shots fired from a nearby building, a university spokesperson told Sky’s US partner NBC News.
Videos on social media show the well-known supporter of Donald Trump speaking into a microphone while sitting under a white tent with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong”.
A single shot is heard and Mr Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as blood comes out from the left side of his neck and he then falls off his chair.
President Trump has asked people to pray for the 31-year-old conservative activist.
The father-of-two is the chief executive and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a prominent organisation that engages conservative youth on school campuses.
“He is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time,” said a spokesperson for Turning Point USA .
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The university has said a suspect is in custody.
Mr Kirk and Turning Point USA played a key role in driving youth support for Mr Trump in November’s presidential election. His events at college campuses nationwide typically draw large crowds.
President Trump has commented on the shooting, saying: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom.”
He has often spoken favourably about Mr Kirk, including multiple times on the campaign trail last year.
During a rally in Washington the day before he was sworn in for a second term in January, Mr Trump told attendees: “Charlie Kirk is here. And I want to thank Charlie. Charlie is fantastic. I mean, this guy.”
A few weeks before, during a rally in Las Vegas on 22 December 2024, Mr Trump called Mr Kirk “incredible,” adding that he “is a special talent, and he’s out there fighting”.
The president, then a candidate for the White House, also appeared last October at a Turning Point USA political rally in Phoenix.
“I want to express my tremendous gratitude to Charlie Kirk. He’s really an amazing guy. Amazing guy,” Mr Trump said.
The president, on the campaign trail last June, also lauded Kirk at a Turning Point Action town hall in Phoenix, saying, “I want to thank a special person, Charlie Kirk, for his tremendous leadership.”
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