Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an event at the Utah Valley University campus yesterday. The shooter is still at large, but the gun was recovered in the woods where the perpetrator fled after the incident. Two persons of interest were captured and later cleared and released.
Charlie Kirk, a trusted ally of President Donald Trump, began his political career at just 18 years old after founding Turning Point USA, an organization aimed at spreading conservative ideals amongst liberal youth. Dedicating almost half of his life to conservative activism, his death at 31 years old left many stunned.
“I think what happened to Charlie Kirk was horrific and terrifying. It’s so devastating to see the normalization of acts of political violence in this country,” said Calabasas High School senior, Tomer Fine. “Whatever people may think about his views, I hope people can come to understand that their empathy should never be conditional.”
Seconds before the fatal shot was delivered, Kirk had been answering questions about gun violence and mass shootings.
“Within minutes of hearing about it, I couldn’t walk in the hallways without hearing people talk about it. I think it’s unfortunate seeing his death being up for debate about being justified because of his political views but I understand people seeing the irony in his death,” said CHS junior, Kelsey Tasem. “Hopefully gun violence will get the recognition it deserves.”
Credited with turning the election in Trump’s favor in last year’s election, Kirk has been a close ally of Trump and a prominent member of the Republican party. With posts of his debates going viral on social media, Kirk has sparked heavy conversations amongst today’s youth as a heavily controversial figure.
“This sends a dangerous message that silencing someone through violence is okay, which it’s not. It’s crazy that we live in a country that is so divided that people would kill others over politics,” said CHS junior, Dani Vaisman.
Kirk will posthumously receive the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award of the United States, as announced by Trump shortly after his death.
