Thursday, September 11, 2025

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Musk Backs German Populists: ‘Only the AfD Can Save Germany.’

Tech mogul Elon Musk believes “Only the AfD can save Germany,” referring to the populist, anti-mass migration Alternative for Germany party. The Donald Trump and Nigel Farage ally offered this endorsement in response to a video posted by Naomi Seibt, a Geman conservative commentator previously dubbed “the anti-Greta Thunberg.”

“Dear Elon, thank you so much for your note,” said AfD co-chairwoman Alice Weidel in a video response to the statement by Musk, who is of partly German descent.

“The Alternative for Germany, the AfD, is indeed the one and only alternative for our country; our last option, if you ask me,” she continued, wishing Musk, President-elect Donald J. Trump, and the American people “a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

Currently, the AfD is polling well ahead of Germany’s ruling Social Democrats, their junior coalition partners, the Greens, and their former coalition partners, the neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP). However, the AfD is behind the notionally center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), formerly led by Angela Merkel. Additionally, all of Germany’s establishment and far-left parties enforce a so-called cordon sanitaire against the AfD, barring any cooperation with the populist party.

By Popular Demand.
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Incoming Oxford Union Prez Celebrates Charlie Kirk’s Murder—Months After Kirk Debated Him.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: George Abarayone, president-elect of the prestigious Oxford Union at Oxford University in England, celebrated the assassination of Charlie Kirk, according to leaked group chat messages.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Charlie Kirk, George Abarayone, the Oxford Union, and Oxford University.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Kirk debated Abarayone at the Oxford Union in June; he was assassinated at Utah Valley University on September 10.

💬KEY QUOTE: “CHARLIE KIRK GOT SHOT LET’S FUCKING GO” – George Abarayone.

🎯IMPACT: Abarayone’s outburst is just one high-profile example of the open celebration from many leftists over Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

IN FULL

The incoming president of the Oxford Union at Oxford University, England, known for its robust debates on a variety of issues featuring prominent speakers from academia, media, politics, and more, appeared to celebrate the shooting of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in the aftermath of his assassination at Utah Valley University.

Leaked group chat discussions allegedly reveal that George Abarayone, president-elect of the Oxford Union, was jubilant about Charlie Kirk being shot, exclaiming, “CHARLIE KIRK GOT SHOT LET’S F**KING GO” with a prayer emoji.

The X (formerly Twitter) account Facts UK was the first to leak the alleged chat messages, subsequently leaking others that showed Abarayone deleted his initial comment. However, quotes of the comment were preserved.

Another user in the chat named Borys commented, “Lmfao, he’s pro guns,” to which Abaraonye replied, “It really writes itself, doesn’t it?” Notably, Abarayone had debated Kirk at the Oxford Union just months prior.

Many leftists have celebrated the assassination of Kirk or downplayed his death, including Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who refused to engage in a moment of silence for Kirk on September 11.

So far, no suspect has been apprehended for Kirk’s assassination, but images of a person of interest have been released, and law enforcement sources say recovered ammunition linked to the suspected murder weapon was engraved with messages indicating support for Antifa and transgenderism.

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By Popular Demand.
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Charlie Kirk’s Casket to Return Home Aboard Air Force Two After Kirk Family’s Meeting With VP Vance.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s casket will be transported from Utah to his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two, following a meeting between the Kirk family and Vice President J.D. Vance.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: J.D. Vance, Erika Kirk, and Kirk’s children.

📍WHEN & WHERE: September 11, 2025, meeting in Salt Lake City.

🎯IMPACT: The gesture underscores the high esteem Kirk is held in by the Trump administration and the America First movement more broadly.

IN FULL

Following a meeting between Vice President J.D. Vance and Erika Kirk, the widow of assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, arrangements have been made for the transportation of Kirk’s casket from Utah to his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two.

The meeting between Kirk’s bereaved family and Vance took place in Salt Lake City, with the Vice President extending his condolences and support. President Donald J. Trump, meanwhile, has announced that Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, underscoring the esteem in which he is held by the administration and the broader America First movement.

Vice President Vance had earlier shared a lengthy tribute to Kirk, describing him as a “true friend” instrumental to the start of his political career and the formation of the second Trump administration, as well as a “great family man” and Christian.

Law enforcement has yet to detain Kirk’s assassin as of the time of publication, with images of a person of interest being shared on social media on Thursday. The suspected murder weapon has been recovered, however, with law enforcement sources saying ammunition engraved with antifa and transgender slogans was found along with it.

Image by Brad Dion.

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By Popular Demand.
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‘Hateful Words Lead to Hateful Actions’ — MSNBC Terminates Matthew Dowd for Comments on Charlie Kirk Assassination.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: MSNBC fired senior political analyst Matthew Dowd after he appeared to suggest Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk had invited his own assassination.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Matthew Dowd, Charlie Kirk, and MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The firing followed comments made during a broadcast about Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.” – MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler

🎯IMPACT: Dowd’s comments sparked widespread condemnation, with MSNBC facing calls for accountability.

IN FULL

MSNBC terminated senior political analyst Matthew Dowd on Wednesday, just hours after he made remarks on the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk suggesting he had drawn “hateful actions” on himself.

“He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures, in this, who has constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech… sort of aimed at certain groups, and I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words which then lead to hateful actions,” Dowd said of the 31-year-old, who leaves behind a widow and two young children.

MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler released a statement addressing the controversy: “We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.” Dowd also issued a personal apology on Bluesky, claiming, “Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack. Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind.”

As of now, no suspect has been detained or publicly identified in Kirk’s assassination, although the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released images of a person of interest. A rifle believed to be the murder weapon has been recovered, and law enforcement sources suggest it was found with ammunition engraved with antifa and transgender slogans.

Before his comments on Kirk’s supposed divisiveness, Dowd had specilated that he could have been killed by “a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration.”

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By Popular Demand.
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FBI Releases Images of ‘Person of Interest’ in Charlie Kirk Assassination.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking assistance from the public to identify a “person of interest” linked to the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on Wednesday.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Charlie Kirk, an unidentified assassin, and the FBI.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University at an American Comeback Tour event on Wednesday; the FBI shared images of a “person of interest” on September 11, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We are asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest.” – FBI

🎯IMPACT: The appeal underscores the urgency and seriousness of the investigation, with two previous suspects in the assassination released and the killer still at large.

IN FULL

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released images of a “person of interest” in the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The Bureau is reaching out to the public for assistance in identifying the individual, with two previously arrested suspects in Kirk’s slaying already released and the assassin still at large.

“We are asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest,” the FBI stated in a social media post, providing a number and a link to a website for digital media tips.

Early Thursday, law enforcement confirmed a rifle believed to have been used in the assassination had been discovered in woodland near the university, along with additional forensic evidence, including a palm print, forearm print, and footwear impressions.

Law enforcement sources have indicated to conservative personality Steven Crowder and the corporate media that the rifle was found with ammunition engraved with antifa and transgender slogans, suggesting an ideological motive for Kirk’s assassination.

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By Popular Demand.
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WATCH: Trump Announces Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom for Charlie Kirk.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced that Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated at a campus event in Utah on Wednesday, will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA, and Kirk’s family.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Thursday morning at the Pentagon during a 9/11 anniversary ceremony; Kirk was killed on Wednesday at Utah Valley University.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The announcement honors Kirk’s legacy and marks a significant moment of national mourning.

IN FULL

At a Pentagon ceremony on Thursday morning marking the anniversary of 9/11, President Donald J. Trump announced plans to posthumously award Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Kirk was assassinated on Wednesday during an American Comeback tour event on the Utah Valley University campus, where he had invited hundreds of students to debate him.

“Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt. Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people. Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children. Fantastic people they are. We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on,” said the America First leader.

“I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” he added. “The date of the ceremony will be announced, and I can only guarantee you one thing: that we will have a very big crowd, very, very big.”

As of the time of publication, Kirk’s assassin remains at large. Police have confirmed they have found the rifle they believe was used in the attack, along with forensic evidence, including footwear impressions and a palm print. Law enforcement sources have indicated that the rifle was found along with ammunition engraved with antifa and transgender slogans.

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By Popular Demand.
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Ammo Linked to Charlie Kirk Assassination Engraved With Trans and Antifa Slogans: Report.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A rifle believed to have been used to assassinate Charlie Kirk was found with ammunition engraved with transgender and so-called anti-fascist slogans, according to law enforcement sources.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Charlie Kirk, an unidentified assassin, and law enforcement sources.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Kirk was assassinated on Wednesday at Utah Valley University.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The older-model .30 caliber hunting rifle was discovered in the woods near the scene.” – Source familiar with the investigation

🎯IMPACT: If confirmed to be linked to gender ideology, Kirk’s slaying would be the second such high-profile attack in a matter of weeks, with Catholic schoolchildren having been targeted at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minnesota by transgender gunman Robin Westman on August 26.

IN FULL

A rifle believed to be linked to Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination was found with ammunition engraved with transgender and so-called anti-fascist slogans, according to sources. The Wall Street Journal, revealing the new details, cited an internal law enforcement bulletin and a person familiar with the investigation. Conservative personality Steven Crowder had previously published similar information, said to have been provided by a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) source.

The rifle, reportedly an older-model .30 caliber hunting rifle, was found in woodland near the Utah Valley University shooting scene. It is said to have been discovered wrapped in a towel, with a spent cartridge still in the chamber and three unspent rounds in the magazine, all marked with similar expressions.

Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was engaged in a discussion with a student about mass shootings involving transgenders when he was shot.

If Kirk’s slaying is confirmed to be linked to transgender ideology, it would be the second such high-profile attack in a matter of weeks. On August 26, Catholic schoolchildren were targeted at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minnesota by transgender gunman Robin Westman, formerly Robert, killing two and wounding many more.

Image by Oriel Frankie Ashcroft.

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By Popular Demand.
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Police Confirm They Have Rifle, Prints, and ‘Good Video’ as Hunt for Charlie Kirk Assassin Continues.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: A rifle believed to have been used to assassinate Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has been recovered as law enforcement continues the hunt for the killer. The authorities also have a palm print, forearm imprint, footprints, and “good video footage.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Charlie Kirk, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent Robert Bohls, Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason, and President Donald J. Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The assassination was carried out on Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem, with a press conference on the hunt for the killer being held on Thursday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’re not sure how far he has gone yet.” – Robert Bohls

🎯IMPACT: The investigation into the assassination and the manhunt for the shooter continue.

IN FULL

Law enforcement officials have recovered a rifle believed to have been used in the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on Wednesday. The FBI special agent Robert Bohls revealed at a press conference that the “high-powered, bolt-action rifle” was found in a wooded area where the gunman fled after the shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem.

Additional evidence, including a “footwear impression, a palm print, and forearm imprints,” has been collected for analysis. Officials have released few specific details about the suspect, but Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason noted that the gunman “blended in well with the college” and appears to be of college age.

Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was assassinated on Wednesday, with the press conference revealing the discovery of a rifle and other evidence being held on Thursday morning. Two people previously detained on suspicion of being involved in the assassination are no longer suspects, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.

Charlie Kirk was shot from a campus building approximately 200 yards away while he was debating students at an American Comeback Tour event, with the bullet striking him in the neck. President Donald J. Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other senior conservatives have paid tribute to the organizer, with President Trump lauding him as a “truly Great American Patriot.”

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent Robert Bohls said of the assassin, “We’re not sure how far he has gone yet,” indicating ongoing uncertainty about their current whereabouts.

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By Popular Demand.
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EU Parliament Blocks Minute of Silence Honoring Charlie Kirk.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: European Parliament President Roberta Metsola rejected a request for a minute of silence for slain conservative political organizer Charlie Kirk.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Charlie Kirk, Roberta Metsola, Sweden Democrats (SD) Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Charlie Weimers, Alternative for Germany (AfD) MEP René Aust, and other MEPs.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The proposal was made on Thursday, following Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We have discussed this, and you know the President said no to a minute of silence,” said Vice President of the European Parliament Katarina Barley, of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD).

🎯IMPACT: The rejection sparked protests from conservative and populist MEPs.

IN FULL

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has blocked a request for a minute of silence honoring Charlie Kirk, the U.S. political organizer and founder of Turning Point USA slain at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Metsola gave the excuse that such tributes are typically announced at the opening of the European Parliament’s plenary sessions, but this had already occurred on Monday, days before Kirk’s assassination.

Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Charlie Weimers, of the populist Sweden Democrats (SD) party, had proposed the minute of silence for Kirk, aiming to underscore the importance of free speech. The proposal was supported by conservative and populist political blocs in the parliament, including the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN).

“His murder reminds us of the importance of safeguarding fundamental freedoms, even in democratic societies,” commented ESN chairwoman René Aust, of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The left-liberal and establishment-right politicians in charge of the European Union’s mock legislature—which cannot actually put forward of repeal EU laws—remained obstinate, however, with Vice President of the European Parliament Katarina Barley, of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), telling MEPs who raised the issue: “We have discussed this, and you know the President said no to a minute of silence.”

Image: European Union 2017 – European Parliament.

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By Popular Demand.
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UK Dismisses Recently Appointed Ambassador, Lord Mandelson, Over Epstein Links.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Peter Mandelson was dismissed as the UK’s ambassador to the United States following further revelations of his close ties to Jeffrey Epstein, 7 months into his tenure.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Peter Mandelson, Jeffrey Epstein, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and the UK Foreign Office.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Mandelson’s dismissal was announced on Thursday, with events unfolding in the US and the UK.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal.” – Peter Mandelson, in Epstein’s birthday book.

🎯IMPACT: The scandal has intensified scrutiny on Starmer’s judgment and raised questions about Mandelson’s past actions and associations.

IN FULL

Lord Peter Mandelson–once dubbed the ‘Prince of Darkness’ by the British press–was removed as Britain’s ambassador to the United States on Thursday after more of his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, caused further political turmoil for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The dismissal followed the release of a “birthday book” by U.S. lawmakers, in which Mandelson referred to Epstein as “my best pal.”

The National Pulse had previously reported on Mandelson’s links to Epstein, with Editor-in-Chief Raheem Kassam appearing on the Charlie Kirk Show in January to make the case against Mandelson.

“[T]he idea that Keir Starmer, the current Prime Minister, would shove somebody like Lord Mandelson into the embassy in D.C. and expect him to be taken seriously is a great affront to President Trump, it’s a great affront to the American public and what they voted for,” Kassam told the late Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on Wednesday in one of the most heinous acts of political violence in American history.

“It shows a deep disconnect of Britain with America right now, and I’m frankly embarrassed about it and apologetic, actually, to all of you about that.”

Despite defending Mandelson earlier in the week, Starmer faced mounting pressure after Bloomberg published emails showing Mandelson’s continued support for Epstein even after his 2008 conviction. In the emails, Mandelson expressed frustration over Epstein’s legal troubles and offered advice based on Sun Tzu’s “Art of War.”

The UK Foreign Office stated that the emails revealed “the depth and extent” of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein, which had not been fully disclosed at the time of his appointment. Mandelson’s ties to Epstein became harder to ignore after the release of Epstein’s 50th birthday book, which included a handwritten note from Mandelson describing their friendship and time spent together.

In a statement to The Sun, Mandelson admitted he found the note “very embarrassing” and acknowledged that more incriminating exchanges could surface. He claimed his support for Epstein occurred before the 2008 conviction and expressed regret for believing Epstein’s assurances about his legal troubles. His interview with veteran reporter Harry Cole, who recently launched his “Saves the West” show in Washington, D.C., appears to have been his final undoing.

The Foreign Office emphasized that Mandelson’s suggestion that Epstein’s initial conviction was wrongful was a “new revelation” and cited the need to respect Epstein’s victims as a reason for the immediate withdrawal of Mandelson’s ambassadorship.

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By Popular Demand.
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Charlie Kirk Assassinated at 31 as Left-Wing Violence Epidemic Breaks Out Across Western World.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during an American Comeback Tour event at Utah Valley University.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Charlie Kirk and a suspected gunman.

📍WHEN & WHERE: September 10, during an American Comeback Tour event in the Sorensen Center courtyard on the Utah Valley University campus.

💬KEY QUOTE: “He was a very, very good friend of mine, and he was a tremendous person.” – President Donald J. Trump

🎯IMPACT: The FBI is monitoring the situation closely. A person initially detained at the scene turned out not to be the shooter, and a second suspect has also been released. The killer is still at large.

IN FULL

Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has been shot and killed at an American Comeback Tour event at Utah Valley University. UVU has confirmed the shot was fired “at about 12:10” and that a suspect was taken into custody. However, police have since determined that a suspect taken into custody in the immediate aftermath of the shooting was not the gunman. A second suspect has also been released, with the killer seemingly still at large.

UPDATE: 20:00 PM EST FBI — Director Kash Patel has confirmed that a second person of interest detained following Charlie Kirk’s assassination has now been released. The killer is seemingly still at large.

UPDATE: 18:25 PM EST — FBI Director Kash Patel has announced that “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 [the FBI],” he continued, adding that he would “provide updates when able.” 

UPDATE: 16:45 PM EST — Officials have confirmed that Kirk’s killer is still at large, and that a manhunt is underway. Meanwhile, President Donald J. Trump has released a statement on Kirk’s assassination, writing on his Truth Social platform, “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!”

UPDATE: 16:20 PM EST — Deseret News politics reporter Brigham Tomco has cited Utah Speaker Mike Schultz as confirming that Charlie Kirk has died. Real America’s Voice, where Kirk’s show aired, has also been quoted as confirming Kirk’s death.

Speaking to CNN shortly before Kirk’s death was confirmed, President Donald J. Trump had said Kirk’s condition was “very bad,” and that he felt badly about the situation. “He was a very, very good friend of mine, and he was a tremendous person,” the President added.

UPDATE: 16:10 PM EST — Police have reportedly determined that a person taken into custody immediately after the shooting was not the gunman. It is currently unclear whether the actual shooter is still at large.

UPDATE: 15:50 PM EST — Geoffrey Ingersoll, Director of the Young America’s Foundation’s National Journalism Center, said around 03:10 EST that he had received two unconfirmed reports that Kirk “[has] been stabilized against all odds and is in the hospital receiving blood,” despite medical and military observers initially assessing the gunshot as unsurvivable. However, CBS has since reported Turning Point USA’s chief marketing officer as saying that while Kirk is in hospital, his condition “does not look good.”

The Associated Press describes the 31-year-old’s condition as “critical.”

Original report continues below:

Video footage from the event shared on social media shortly after the incident shows people running in all directions following the shooting, with social media users reporting Kirk was hit in the neck. Soon afterwards, further video from the event was shared, appearing to show the moment Kirk was struck.

“Charlie Kirk was just shot at UVU while speaking. My daughter was in the crowd and saw it. He was shot in the neck,” one social media user reported, adding: “Pray for him and the students who are there.”

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel has confirmed the bureau is “closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” adding, “Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”

Vice President J.D. Vance shared a statement asking, “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”

Shortly afterwards, President Donald J. Trump shared his own statement, concurring, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”

Kirk, 31, married Erika Frantzve in 2021, and has a young daughter and son, born in 2022 and 2024, respectively.

This story is developing…

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By Popular Demand.
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