Breaking: Charlie Kirk Shot at College Event

Turning Point USA executive director shot during event at Utah Valley University.

Charlie Kirk (31) — an author, radio host, and frequent public speaker about politics, culture, and current events—has been shot at a speaking event at Utah Valley University. A video recording of the shot suggests it was a high velocity rifle cartridge, perhaps a .223. According to witness reports, the shooter seemed to have been perched on a building about 200 yards away from the stage. Kirk is reportedly in critical condition. We gravely fear for his life after sustaining such a devastating injury to the neck.

I have embedded the video in this post because I believe that Americans should clearly understand the kinds of atrocities that are being perpetrated in this country by mentally deranged and malevolent people. The video is very upsetting to watch, so viewer discretion is advised.

The shooting comes as passions are running extremely hot in the U.S. over the slaughter of Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Yesterday Kirk and CNN political commentator, Van Jones, exchanged sharply differing opinions.

Van Jones proclaimed:

For Charlie Kirk to say, 'We know he did it because she's white,' when there's no evidence of that, is just pure race-mongering, hate-mongering. It's wrong," continued the former Obama adviser.

Kirk cited as evidence the culprit’s repeated exclamation—after he stabbed the girl and was exiting the train— “I got that white bitch!”

In recent years, Kirk has amassed a large following for his traditional interpretation of American identity as rooted in Christian principles, his staunch opposition to progressive politics, and his focus on engaging young conservatives through media and events.

That he was shot on an American college campus reminds me of economist Thomas Sowell’s statement a few years back that he will no longer visit college campuses because they are given to violent protests against intellectuals like him who are labelled “right-wing.”

A suspect has been taken into custody. Though it’s possible he was acting alone, he should be thoroughly investigated as having possible ties to an activist group. He may also be an agent provocateur tasked with assassinating a beloved conservative figure to spark violence and chaos.

As tempting as it will be for Kirk’s male followers—young men who have retained their common sense and haven’t been emasculated—to punch back, it would be far wiser to let the matter be handled by Trump’s DOJ, who should act as swiftly and decisively as possible within rule of law.

We are hoping and praying that Charlie pulls through.