Charlie Kirk, the founder of conservative activist organization Turning Point USA, was shot dead in an apparent assassination during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday. The 31-year-old was shot while taking questions on the university campus as part of his “American Comeback Tour”. Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika Frantzve, and his 3-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son.
Public officials and religious leaders called for prayer in the aftermath of the shooting. Bishop Oscar A. Solis of Salt Lake City said in a statement to OSV News, “My heart goes out to the family of Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed today at Utah Valley University.”
“I will pray for the repose of his soul,” Bishop Solis said. “I am also praying for all who were affected, especially those who were present at the event on campus, the many people who admired Mr. Kirk, and most particularly his family. Meanwhile, I continue to pray for all the victims of gun violence throughout the years and their families.”
“It is appalling that senseless acts of violence such as this continue to occur,” he said. “It seems that our society has lost the sense of the sanctity of life, and I pray that our government will undertake appropriate measures to stop these horrible crimes.”
On Friday, U.S. and Utah law enforcement officials stated that they had arrested a 22-year-old Utah man in connection with the shooting. “We got him,” Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah told a news conference, saying that the shooter appears to have acted alone.
President Donald Trump ordered all American flags in the United States to be flown at half-staff until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, to honor Kirk’s legacy.