Conservative Commentator, Who Debated Twice at Politicon in Pasadena, Fatally Shot

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who in 2017 and 2018 sparred with progressive commentator Hasan Piker during a high-profile debate at Politicon in Pasadena, was fatally shot Wednesday during an appearance at Utah Valley University, authorities said.

Kirk, 31, the co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was speaking to a large outdoor crowd as part of his “American Comeback Tour” when a single shot hit him in the neck at approximately 12:10 p.m.

He was rushed to a hospital but died about two hours later, according to law enforcement.

President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death on Truth Social, writing: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Authorities said the shot was fired from a nearby building about 200 yards away. Despite early reports, police confirmed that no suspect was in custody.

An elderly man was handcuffed but later released according to TMZ.

Kirk built a following of nearly 7 million on Instagram and was known for fiery viral videos of campus debates on abortion, religion, and LGBTQ issues.

His 2018 clash with Piker in Pasadena was billed as a showdown of “two of the best and brightest young minds from opposite sides of the political spectrum” arguing whether young people should be liberal or conservative.

The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the shooting.

Political leaders across the country condemned the attack. California Gov. Gavin Newsom called it “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” while Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned that heated rhetoric can fuel political violence.

No one deserves to be the target of gun violence, ever,” Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, wrote on X. “What happened to Charlie Kirk is appalling, unacceptable, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. I am thinking of his family and loved ones at this time. We must put a stop to rising political violence in this country.”

Rep. Adam Schiff, who also represents Pasadena, said he was “horrified” by the shooting.

“The increasing degree of political violence in this country is a threat to everyone. And it must end,” Schiff said