A chilling video has emerged showing a sniper lurking on the roof of the Losee Centre at Utah Valley University, following the shooting of Charlie Kirk during a Turning Point USA event on Wednesday.
Kirk was tragically shot in the neck and later died in hospital after being rushed there in a critical condition.
Donald Trump confirmed the devastating news on his social media platform Truth Social.
He said: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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!”
Campus debate turns to tragedy
The influential conservative speaker was well known for holding open-air debates on campuses across the country.
Mr Kirk, 31, was speaking to students when someone opened fire at the school on Wednesday, according to officials.
A shot was fired at 12:20 local time as Kirk was taking a question from a student. Video shows him immediately collapse and blood can be seen on his neck.
Political figures pay tribute
US Vice President JD Vance has just posted on social media. “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,” he writes.
The right-wing activist posted footage on his TikTok account just minutes before the shooting today, Wednesday September 10.
He told the crowd: “That’s a lot of people, Utah. Gather up.
“I’m going to be here for a couple of hours, get comfortable.”
University closes as manhunt continues
Utah Valley University is closed for the rest of the day and the suspect is still at large.
A spokesperson for Utah Valley University has retracted an earlier claim that a suspect in the shooting of Mr Kirk is in custody.
In a statement provided to Deseret News in Utah, university spokesperson Scott Trotter said: “We can confirm that Mr Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition. The suspect is not in custody. Police are still investigating Campus is closed for the rest of the day.”
Eyewitness footage shows panic
Footage taken by eyewitnesses shows crowds of people fleeing the scene after the dramatic shooting took place.
According to officials, Kirk was shot from about 200 yards away, on the opposite side of the quad where he was speaking.
Family present during attack
Kirk’s family were all in attendance at the university campus with him.
“Pray for [Kirk] his wife Erika, their two children, and all who were present at Utah Valley University,” Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin posted on X.