This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, died Wednesday after being shot while speaking at a crowded outdoor event at Utah Valley University.
On Trump's Truth Social platform, the president said, "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us."
Kirk was speaking under a tent on the Orem campus when a single gunshot rang out, striking him in the neck. Video footage posted on social media shows the crowd scrambling for cover and fleeing the scene. Kirk was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital.
Officials said the suspected shooter is not in custody, despite earlier reports that the shooter had been arrested.
As of 2 p.m today, UVU officials and emergency responders are telling anyone left on campus to secure in place. Law enforcement officers in tactical gear are still sweeping campus buildings room by room.
At the time of the shooting, a question was being asked of Kirk about mass shootings in America.
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This story is breaking news. Accurate reporting takes time. We will update this story as we confirm additional information.
