Charlie Kirk, 31, a conservative ally of President Trump, was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University Wednesday, the New York Times and other news outlets reported.
“According to the university, Mr. Kirk was shot at about 12:10 p.m. local time, about 20 minutes after he began speaking on campus, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City,” The Times reported.
On Wednesday evening, Gov. Kelly Ayotte directed all flags on public buildings and grounds in the State of New Hampshire to remain at half-staff following the remembrance of September 11 in accordance with the President’s proclamation in memory of Charlie Kirk. Flags will fly at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, September 14.
Shortly before 7 p.m., FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media, “The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi. We will provide updates when able.”
But officials later said the two people interviewed were released. The FBI is asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit fbi.gov/utahvalleyshooting.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual(s) responsible for the murder of Kirk.
The Guardian news outlet is providing live updates here.
State Sen. Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry, said, “I am heartbroken to learn of the shooting that took Charlie Kirk’s life during a campus event in Utah. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, family, and the Turning Point community he helped build.
“While details are limited, what we do know is that political violence is an attack on every American. It will not silence lawful speech, open debate, or the civic engagement Charlie encouraged in young people since he founded Turning Point as a teenager. Charlie often said at the start of his events, ‘If you disagree with me, please come to the front.’ He invited dissent and encouraged all to disagree without being disagreeable.
“Charlie often urged students to stand up for their ideas with courage and to answer arguments with argument, not anger. The way we honor that legacy is to reject violence, protect free expression, and meet one another in the arena of ideas. Now is a time for prayer, reflection, and an absolute rejection of violence and the rhetoric that fuels it,” she said.
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, said: “I’m praying for Charlie Kirk, his loved ones and the students at Utah Valley University.”
U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-NH, said, “I’m shocked and horrified by the reports that Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at an event. Political violence is never acceptable. I’m praying for him and his family.”
U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-NH, said: “There is no place for political violence in our country. Period. The shooting of Charlie Kirk today in Utah was an abhorrent act that has no place in America. I am praying for him and his family.”
U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-NH, said “There is no place for political violence in America. Ever. Today’s horrific shooting is repulsive and must be repudiated by everyone who loves our country and our free and open society. My prayers and sincere condolences are with the family of Charlie Kirk.”
WMUR reported that Kirk was scheduled to take part in a debate with political commentator Hasan Piker in a sold-out Sept. 25 event at the Hanover Inn Grand Ballroom.