President Donald Trump promised justice after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed on a Utah campus, blaming political opponents and calling their rhetoric a cause of violence in the country.
Trump spoke for four minutes in a taped Oval Office address shared on Truth Social, saying he was “filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination” of Kirk on a college campus in Utah earlier in the day. Reuters reported police launched a wide manhunt after the killing.
Kirk, 31, was shot once in the neck while speaking to students on his “American Comeback Tour.” He had placed red “Make America Great Again” caps on stage shortly before the attack.
Authorities said the shooting took place in front of students at a Utah college, and local coverage described chaotic scenes as campus police and federal agents converged on the site. NBC Los Angeles reported the university closed parts of campus while investigators worked.
Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative group that promotes activism on high school and college campuses, and Trump praised him as a leader who helped spur millions of young Americans to political activism.
“Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to debate and to his country,” Trump said. “He fought for liberty, democracy, justice, and the American people. He is a martyr for truth.” The Washington Post provided background on Kirk’s role in conservative youth politics.
Trump promised to hunt down everyone who played a role in the killing, saying, “We will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity.” Reuters coverage noted officials called the shooting a targeted attack and described intensive searches for the shooter.
The FBI is leading the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that a person of interest was in custody but was later released. Authorities have not publicly named any suspects.
Local police said they were working with federal partners and urged the public to remain calm. Investigators are reviewing video footage and gathering evidence from the campus crime scene, and Reuters reported officers were examining multiple potential crime scenes.
For Trump, the attack was personal, since Kirk had stood with him during his political return and backed his campaign to retake the White House in January, a tie noted in national coverage.
Kirk often toured with Trump and promoted his policies among young voters, holding speeches, campus events, and social media campaigns aimed at countering liberal influence in education. The Washington Post article traces those efforts and his influence on the 2024 cycle.
The killing shocked Trump’s supporters, who flooded online platforms with grief and anger. Yahoo News live updates captured the early wave of online reaction and the spread of tributes from well-known figures.
Trump’s message quickly turned to blame, as he attacked what he called the “radical Left,” and argued that heated criticism from opponents encouraged attacks. Fox News and Reuters both reported on the president’s remarks tying rhetoric to violence.
“It is long past time for Americans and the media to see the truth,” Trump said. “Violence and murder are the direct result of demonizing people year after year.” Media outlets covered the comment and the wider debate over political rhetoric after the shooting.
The president did not address how some conservatives have also used hostile language. Reporting from Reuters and The Washington Post noted Kirk’s own history of sharp attacks on liberals and political opponents.
Political violence has risen as the election season has intensified, and Reuters cited data showing a rise in politically motivated violent acts in recent years. Security experts warn that heated talk on both sides has made public figures more vulnerable to targeted attacks.
The White House said security measures for campaign events would be reviewed and officials urged political leaders to lower their rhetoric to reduce risks, a development covered in national reporting.
Kirk’s death adds to growing concern over safety in political life. Several lawmakers and candidates have faced threats, and some have increased personal protection at public appearances, according to Reuters reporting on post-attack security changes.
Turning Point USA said it would continue his work, and Yahoo News captured the group’s statement, which said it would persist in its mission and honor Kirk’s efforts.
Trump’s vow of vengeance is expected to dominate political debate in coming days, with supporters seeing it as a demand for justice and critics warning it could inflame tensions further. Reuters and Washington Post coverage highlighted both reactions.
The funeral plans for Kirk have not been announced. Family and friends have asked for privacy as tributes continue to pour in from across the political world, a detail noted in Washington Post reporting.
