New Delhi: Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old right-wing activist and a close aide of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead at Utah University on Wednesday during a college event, sending shockwaves across the political spectrum.

Even as America reels from the Utah campus horror, Kirk’s recent remarks on Indian migrants have resurfaced online, sparking renewed debate. On September 2, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“America does not need more visas for people from India. Perhaps no form of legal immigration has so displaced American workers as those from India. Enough already. We're full. Let's finally put our own people first.”

Kirk was responding to Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham, who claimed any trade deal with India would require the US to issue more visas. “I'd rather not pay them in visas and trade deficits,” she posted.

Trump’s Tribute to His “Martyr for Truth”

Confirming Kirk’s death on Truth Social, President Trump hailed him as “great, and even legendary.” He wrote:

“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.”

Extending condolences to Kirk’s wife Erika and family, Trump described his slain ally as a “martyr for truth and freedom.” In a video message, the 79-year-old Republican added:

“Charlie fought for liberty, democracy, justice, and the American people. My administration will find each one of those who contributed to this atrocity … including the organisations that fund it and support it.”

How was he shot?

According to witnesses, gunfire erupted inside the packed auditorium where Kirk was addressing students. Panic broke out as attendees ducked for cover, while campus security rushed in to control the chaos. Kirk was struck multiple times before he could be evacuated; he succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The shooter was overpowered and taken into custody, though officials have not revealed a motive yet.

What’s Known So Far

  • No Suspect in Custody
    Despite conflicting early reports, no suspect has been officially detained or charged in connection with the shooting. Two people were briefly taken into custody but subsequently released.
  • Targeted Attack from a Distance
    Authorities believe this was a targeted attack, with the fatal shot fired from a rooftop—likely from a building approximately 200 yards away from the stage where Kirk was speaking.
  • Fatal Shot, Confirmed Death
    Officials confirm that a single shot killed Charlie Kirk. One of the headlines from AP News quotes the governor calling it a “political assassination.”
  • Event Attendance & Campus Response
    The event was an open-air gathering at Utah Valley University (UVU), with around 3,000 attendees. Following the shooting, UVU closed its campus, canceled remaining classes, and declared the shooter still at large.
  • Investigation Still Active
    The FBI, state, and local law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation, including a manhunt for the shooter.