United States President Donald Trump has described slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a “martyr for truth,” blaming political hostility from the left for fueling the deadly attack.
Kirk, a prominent Trump ally and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday while addressing students at Utah Valley University. The assailant, believed to have fired from a rooftop, fled the scene and remains at large.
In a video message posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed outrage over the killing, accusing critics of using demeaning rhetoric that he believes has encouraged violence.
“For years, radical voices have smeared patriots like Charlie, comparing them to Nazis and criminals,” Trump said. “That toxic language has consequences, and it must end immediately.”
The president promised a sweeping federal response, warning that his administration would pursue not only the shooter but also groups he claims are linked to political violence.
“This is a dark moment for our country,” Trump declared. “We will track down every individual and organization involved in this atrocity, and we will put a stop to this wave of political terror.”
Eyewitness footage from the event captured the chaos that followed the gunshot. Kirk, 31, appeared to slump forward on stage as screams echoed through the hall and security rushed to evacuate attendees.
Authorities revealed that the suspected gunman, dressed in black, carefully positioned himself on a campus rooftop before opening fire. Investigators are treating the case as a targeted assassination.
The killing has stunned conservative circles, where Kirk was celebrated for mobilizing young voters and defending Trump’s populist agenda. Supporters flooded social media with tributes, while critics of America’s toxic political climate voiced fears that tensions could spiral further.
“This tragedy shows how dangerously polarized our country has become,” said Mariah Greene, a student present at the rally. “People may not agree with Kirk’s polarisedt no one should lose their life for speaking at a university.”
Law enforcement has intensified the manhunt for the shooter, urging anyone with information to come forward.
As investigations continue, Trump and his allies have vowed to honor Kirk’s legacy while pressing for accountability.