Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah.

The act caused shockwaves across the United States, triggering widespread criticism of political violence.

According to witnesses and video footage circulating on social media, Kirk, 31, was shot while addressing a huge crowd under a tent on the university’s campus during a “Prove Me Wrong” question-and-answer session.

A single gunshot rang out, striking Kirk in the neck as he answered a student’s question regarding mass shootings in America.

Chaos broke out as attendees yelled and fled, with Kirk collapsing and being carried to the hospital by his security crew.

Kirk died despite medical efforts, according to a post on Truth Social by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump called Kirk “the great, and even legendary,” complimenting his connection with America’s youth and offering his condolences to Erika, Kirk’s wife, and their family.

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump 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. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Trump has ordered that all American flags be lowered to half-mast in respect of Kirk.

Kirk, a renowned conservative personality, was noted for his strong support for Trump and his role in mobilising young conservatives through Turning Point USA, a youth-focused advocacy group he co-founded in 2012.