World leaders on Wednesday reacted to the news that conservative media personality and co-founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, 31, a husband and father of two, was killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University.President Donald Trump confirmed in a social media post that Kirk, who was hospitalized after being shot and suffering a neck wound, had been killed.CHARLIE KIRK, TURNING POINT USA FOUNDER, DEAD AT 31 AFTER UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTINGIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among some of the first to share his grief at the news on social media and said, "Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom."A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization," he added, noting he spoke with Kirk just two weeks ago and invited him to Israel."Sadly, that visit will not take place. We lost an incredible human being," Netanyahu added. "His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk."Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also offered her condolences and said on X that she was "shocked by the news of the killing of Charlie Kirk.""An atrocious murder, a deep wound for democracy and for those who believe in freedom," she said. "My condolences to his family, to his loved ones, and to the American conservative community."CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: PERSON OF INTEREST IN CUSTODY AFTER UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTINGPresident of Argentina Javier Milei shared a picture of himself with Kirk and former conservative Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz along with his condolences to Kirks family "and to all the young people in the world who admired him and listened to him.""A formidable disseminator of the ideas of freedom and staunch defender of the West," Milei said, before calling him the "victim of an atrocious murder" and blaming the "left," though law enforcement officials have not confirmed who shot Kirk."The entire world lost an incredible human being," he added.U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences as well and criticized all forms of political violence in a post on X, noting that his "thoughts this evening are with the loved ones of Charlie Kirk.""It is heartbreaking that a young family has been robbed of a father and a husband," he added. "We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear there can be no justification for political violence."There were numerous messages of outcry from leadership across the U.K., including from the leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, who also shared a picture of himself with Kirk and said, "This is a very dark day for American democracy.""I am desperately sad for Charlie, his wife and children," he added.New Zealands Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, also decried the rise of political violence and the threat it poses to democracy."It is tragic that we now live in a world that differences of opinion are met with a gun," he said on X, noting that the death of Kirk is not merely "political violence" but "an assassination."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"The utter tragedy is that Kirk traveled extensively around university campuses to give an open mic and debate to everyone and all were welcome," Peters said. "The essence of democracy is under threat around the world and we must do everything we can to protect it."

American flags outside the White House were seen at half-staff on Wednesday evening after President Donald Trump ordered them to be lowered in honor of Charlie Kirk.Kirk, a 31-year-old husband, father, conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.On his Truth Social, Trump posted, "In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M."Images taken by Fox News Digital on Wednesday showed the massive American flags installed on either side of the White House at Trumps direction were at half-staff.SADNESS AND SHOCK AT WHITE HOUSE AFTER CHARLIE KIRK'S SHOOTING DEATHTrump issued an official proclamation on Wednesday, writing, "As a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, September 14, 2025."In the proclamation, he also directed that flags at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations also lower their flags to half-staff in Kirks honor.Earlier on Wednesday, Trump announced that Kirk had passed as a result of the shooting on Truth Social, writing, "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead."SHOT THAT KILLED CHARLIE KIRK MAY HAVE COME FROM ROOF: UTAH OFFICIAL"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!" wrote Trump.The U.S. Department of Agriculture also posted footage of an American flag outside its headquarters at half-staff in honor of Kirk.American flags were also seen at half-staff in Orem, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City and home to Utah Valley University.Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, also ordered that U.S. and Utah state flags be lowered on all state facilities "in recognition of the tragic passing of Charlie Kirk."CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION LATEST CASE OF CONSERVATIVES BEING TARGETED FOR MURDERCox also invited all private citizens, businesses, and other organizations to join in honoring Kirk by lowering their flags.Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, also announced on X that he ordered all flags in Oklahoma to half-staff to "honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Charlie Kirk.""Charlies memory, that of a tireless champion for freedom, shall never die," wrote Stitt.

MSNBC issued an apology on Wednesday after liberal analyst Matthew Dowd suggested Charlie Kirk's "hateful" rhetoric led to his shooting and speculated that one of his supporters may have fired the shot in celebration."During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable," MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler said in a statement. "We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise."After Kirk was shot Wednesday afternoon, Dowd suggested it was caused by a chain reaction from his "hateful words" against various groups. Kirk, a leading conservative activist and top ally of President Donald Trump, later died at the age of 31.Before the news that Kirk had died, Dowd told MSNBC host Katy Tur, "We dont know any of the full details of this yet. We dont know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration."CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION SPARKS BIPARTISAN UPROAR OVER POLITICAL VIOLENCE AS UTAH MANHUNT UNDERWAYWhile the news of Kirk's shooting was met with swift condemnations and calls for prayer across the political aisle, Dowd appeared to blame Kirk for bringing the circumstances on himself.Dowd said Kirk has been "one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions.""I think thats the environment were in, that the people just you cant stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have, and then saying these awful words, and not expect awful actions to take place. And that's the unfortunate environment we're in," he added.TRUMP RESPONDS TO CHARLIE KIRK SHOOTING: LOVED AND ADMIRED BY ALL"And thats the unfortunate environment were in," the MSNBC analyst concluded.During coverage of the shooting, Tur called Kirk "a divisive figure, polarizing, lightning rod. Whatever term you want to use."Editor-in-chief of The Federalist and Fox News contributor Molly Hemmingway criticized MSNBC's handling of the situation, saying they issued a "very quiet tweet on an account with 20K followers."Dowd, a Democrat who was formerly a Republican strategist and an independent, is one of the most rabidly anti-GOP voices on cable news. He made a failed bid for the Democratic nomination for Texas lieutenant governor in 2021.CHARLIE KIRK SHOOTING LEADS TO OUTPOURING FROM UTAH OFFICIALS, 2025 NOMS ON BOTH SIDES

Kai Trump, the granddaughter of President Donald Trump, was among the masses who reacted to the horrific shooting death of Charlie Kirk on Wednesday.President Trump announced that Kirk had died after being shot at a speaking event at Utah Valley University. Video posted from the event appeared to show Kirk being shot as he spoke to a large crowd from under a white pop-up tent.Kai Trump, who called Kirk a "close family friend," couldn't believe the news.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"I am deeply saddened to hear the news about Charlie Kirk," Trump posted on her Instagram Stories. "My heart goes out to his wife Erika and their two children. He was a close family friend and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this tragic time. Rest in peace Charlie."President Trumps announcement came in a social media post at 4:40 p.m. ET on Wednesday.CHARLIE KIRK, TURNING POINT USA FOUNDER, DEAD AT 31 AFTER UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING"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!" Trump wrote.Many prominent figures in the sports world reacted to the tragic news about Kirk as well, including former NFL quarterbacks Tim Tebow and Brett Favre."Im shocked and devastated to learn about the passing of Charlie Kirk," Tebow wrote on X. "Above all else, Charlie was a follower of Jesus, a husband, and a dad. He was a man of passion, courage, and devoted his life to make an eternal impact."Favre added: "Im at a loss for words. Only thing I can think of is tragic. Please keep Charlie Kirk and his family in your prayers."Many more, like ex-New England Patriots receiver Jullian Edelman and World Series-champion Mark Teixeira, who recently revealed he will be running for Congress, shared their thoughts and prayers.Kirk was at Utah Valley University as part of his "American Comeback Tour," and he was scheduled to appear at Utah State University later this month.In a statement to Fox News, Ellen Treanor, Associate Vice President, Strategic Communication Management at Utah Valley University said that the shooting happened at about 12:20 p.m. local time.The university sent out a campus-wide alert, which read, "A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now."Kirk was a conservative media personality and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a non-profit organization that advocated for conservative politics.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

In a solemn and emotional statement on Wednesday evening, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA founder and dad of two, Charlie Kirk, to be a "political assassination" that strikes at the very heart of American democracy."This is a dark day for our state. It's a tragic day for our nation," Cox said, denouncing the act as an affront to the Founders' vision that "all men are endowed... with certain inalienable rights. The first one of those is life."The Republican governor reminded Americans that Kirk was "first and foremost a husband and a dad to young children," and that his commitment to free speech was why he was on campus.CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION SPARKS BIPARTISAN UPROAR OVER POLITICAL VIOLENCE AS UTAH MANHUNT UNDERWAYKirk was the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent figure in conservative youth activism.The event at Utah Valley University (UVU) was the inaugural stop on his "American Comeback Tour."Around 12:10 p.m. MDT, a single shot, from approximately 200 yards away, struck Kirk in the neck. Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said that the shooter fired from a nearby roof. Kirk was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.A manhunt for the assassin remained ongoing on Wednesday night."The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues, and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency," FBI Director Kash Patel wrote in an X post Wednesday.WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE:The Republican governor pledged that investigators "will find you... and hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law.""The investigation is ongoing, but I want to make it crystal clear right now to whoever did this. We will find you. We will try you and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law," he said.CHARLIE KIRK, TURNING POINT USA FOUNDER, DEAD AT 31 AFTER UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING"And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah," he said.In a broader reflection on the state of America, Cox lamented a string of recent politically motivated attacks from shootings in Minnesota to attempted assassination plots against public figures."Our nation is broken. We've had political assassinations recently in Minnesota. We had an attempted assassination on the governor of Pennsylvania, and we had an attempted assassination on a presidential candidate and former President of the United States and now current President of the United States," he said."Nothing I say can unite us as a country. Nothing I can say right now can fix what is broken. Nothing I can say can bring back Charlie Kirk," he said. "Our hearts are broken. We mourn with his wife, his children, his family, his friends. We mourn as a nation."COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CHARLIE KIRKCox, a 50-year-old Utah native, recently secured his second term as governor. As the incumbent, he faced a stiff challenge from Rep. Phil Lyman, who appealed to the hard-right flank of the party.Cox publicly endorsed President Donald Trump in July 2024, just weeks after an assassination attempt in Butler, Penn.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPCox, who had previously criticized Trumps role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, framed his endorsement as an act of unity.

A moment of silence for Charlie Kirk on the House floor Wednesday devolved into a shouting match after a Republican representative demanded a prayer be said out loud for the conservative who was shot earlier in the day.As lawmakers stood silently in a mostly filled House of Representatives chamber during a moment of silence for the conservative who was shot and killed at Utah Valley University during an on-campus event Wednesday, Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert demanded a spoken prayer."Please rise for a moment of prayer for Charlie Kirk and his family," House Speaker Mike Johnson said. Lawmakers obliged for several seconds, before returning to regular order. However, once that started to happen, Boebert spoke up.CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION SPARKS BIPARTISAN UPROAR OVER POLITICAL VIOLENCE AS UTAH MANHUNT UNDERWAY"Silent prayers get silent results," Boebert said. She could also be heard asking for a prayer to be said "out loud."The Colorado Republican's comments resulted in shouts from Democrats. Some reportedly began shouting back about how Republicans had ignored a school shooting that happened Wednesday as well, according to the New York Times.Meanwhile, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., stood up and began shouting back. "You all caused this," she said.CHARLIE KIRK KILLED WHILE LAUNCHING TURNING POINT USA CAMPUS TOURSpeaker Johnson attempted to quell the crowd multiple times, banging his gavel and asking for order. Eventually, he said: "We will join for prayer right after this, OK?"Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking to a sizable crowd at Utah Value University, located in Orem, Utah, from underneath a tent in the middle of the school's outdoor quad. Kirk was transported to a local hospital, but was later pronounced dead. He was at the university for an event as part ofTurning Point USA's "American Comeback Tour" that launched this spring.Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, established in 2012. The political nonprofit built its name by engaging youth people on university campuses about politics. Kirk frequently went around the country to campuses to speak at events.

Pictures show Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. The conservative activist, a 31-year-old father of two, was killed in a Utah shooting on Sept. 10, 2025.

MSNBC has fired political analyst Matthew Dowd for suggesting "hateful" rhetoric from TPUSA co-founder Charlie Kirk led to his own assassination, two sources familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital.The network previously denounced Dowd's comments on social media."During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable," MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler said in a statement. "We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise."A spokesperson for MSNBC declined to comment. Dowd joined MSNBC in 2022 after a long stint at ABC News.MSNBC APOLOGIZES FOR ANALYST'S UNACCEPTABLE COMMENTS AFTER CHARLIE KIRK SHOOTINGAfter Kirk was shot Wednesday afternoon, Dowd suggested it was caused by a chain reaction from his "hateful words" against various groups. Kirk, a leading conservative activist and top ally of President Donald Trump, later died at the age of 31.Before the news that Kirk had died, Dowd told MSNBC host Katy Tur, "We dont know any of the full details of this yet. We dont know if this was a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration."Dowd said Kirk has been "one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions.""I think thats the environment were in, that the people just you cant stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have, and then saying these awful words, and not expect awful actions to take place. And that's the unfortunate environment we're in," he added.Dowd's comments were widely condemned in the wake of the tragic shooting, with numerous figures calling for his termination.Dowd tried to backtrack on the liberal social media platform Bluesky."On an earlier appearance on MSNBC I was asked a question on the environment we are in. I apologize for my tone and words. 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," Dowd wrote.Dowd, a Democrat who was formerly a Republican strategist and an independent, is one of the most rabidly anti-GOP voices on cable news. He made a failed bidfor the Democratic nomination for Texas lieutenant governor in 2021.Fox News' Brian Flood and Alexander Hall contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump addressed the nation in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death, the conservative activist who was tragically shot Wednesday during an appearance at Utah Valley University.The president spoke with sincerity and compassion, calling the perpetrator a "monster" and declaring it a "dark moment for America."Trumps remarks in the four-minute statement focused on Kirks legacy as a patriot and leader, while also condemning the culture of political demonization that fuels violence.He described Kirk as a "wonderful American" who embodied the values of faith, liberty, and courage, and vowed that his administration would pursue accountability for those responsible.CHARLIE KIRK, TURNING POINT USA FOUNDER, DEAD AT 31 AFTER UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTINGTrump also reminded Americans of the attempt on his life in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year, placing Kirks death in a broader context of escalating political violence across America.Kirk, 31, was answering questions from students during the first stop of his "American Comeback Tour" when a gunman fired a shot from a rooftop, fatally striking him in the neck.The shocking assassination of the Turning Point USA co-founder abruptly ended the event as thousands ran in panic and left the nation reeling.Trump confirmed the death on Truth Social before later delivering his solemn address celebrating Kirks life and impact.CHARLIE KIRK NAMES JD VANCE AS GUIDING LIGHT FOR YOUNG CONSERVATIVES, BUT SAYS GOP MUST DELIVER ON PROMISES"Charlie inspired millions, and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror," he said."He was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much the United States of America. He fought for liberty, democracy, justice and the American people. Hes a martyr for truth and freedom, and theres never been anyone who was so respected by youth," Trump said.The president also emphasized Kirks rare bond with the younger generations, saying, "His mission was to bring young people into the political process, which he did better than anybody ever, to share his love of country and to spread the simple words of common sense on campuses nationwide."I'M A YOUNG DEMOCRAT AND I'VE GOT TO ADMIT MY PARTY IS LOSING 2025 WHILE LOOKING AT 2028Trump also issued a strong warning about the dangers of political rhetoric that fuels violence:"Its long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year, in the most hateful and despicable way possible."Trump added that for years, those on the radical left have compared "wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the worlds worst mass murderers and criminals."In closing, Trump vowed that Kirks mission would endure."An assassin tried to silence him with a bullet, but he failed, because together, we will ensure that his voice, his message and his legacy will live on for countless generations to come."Today, because of this heinous act, Charlies voice has become bigger and grander than ever before and its not even close." the president said.

Vigils were held across the country following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at an event in Utah on Wednesday.Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on the campus of Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition before he was later pronounced dead.Politicians, faith leaders, fellow conservative activists and others mourned Kirk's death, with some announcing vigils to stand against political violence in the wake of his murder.Turning Point USA campus chapters at colleges across the country organized vigils on Wednesday night for the organization's founder.CHARLIE KIRK, TURNING POINT USA FOUNDER, DEAD AT 31 AFTER UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING"In response to the reprehensible and senseless murder of Charlie Kirk, we are gathering tonight at Westlake Park in Seattle at 7:30PM for a time of prayer, worship, and solitary as we take a stand against the senseless political and religious violence in America," Russell Johnson, lead pastor at The Pursuit in Washington state, wrote on X announcing his church's vigil.Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-MT, said there would be a prayer vigil at a church on Capitol Hill on Wednesday night."I invite Montanans to join us in prayer and spirit praying for Charlie, his family and our divided nation. We must heal," he wrote on X.In Arizona, the group Catholics for Catholics said a rosary vigil would be held Wednesday night."Charlie Kirk's local Catholic community gathers to pray the Rosary for the Eternal Rest of his soul," the group wrote on Instagram.YANKEES HOLD MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HONOR OF CHARLIE KIRK AFTER SHOOTING DEATH IN UTAH"Charlie was our friend," the post added. "His family are our neighbors. He attended our Church. We loved him and America loves him too. It's time now for us to pray and ask for Our Lady to usher his soul into heaven."The New York Yankees held a moment of silence ahead of Wednesday night's game against the Detroit Tigers to honor Kirk."Before tonight's game we held a moment of silence in memoriam of Charlie Kirk. Kirk founded the youth activist group Turning Point USA and had become a fixture on college campuses," the team said on X.Kevin Smith, founder of the conservative media company The Loud Majority, also announced a vigil scheduled for Saturday in New York.President Donald Trump, officials in his administration, other U.S. politicians on both sides of the aisle, foreign leaders and sports figures were among those who came out in mourning Kirk and condemning acts of political violence."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," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said on X that the attack on Kirk was "disgusting, vile, and reprehensible," adding: "In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.""Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on X. "A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization.""Condolences to his family and the young people of this country," Bruce Pearl, Auburn University's men's basketball coach, said on X. "Many in our Auburn student body are horrified tonight, you young patriots who love our country like Charlie. For now let's morn, keep the violent rhetoric down and then live our best lives, committed to making this country better."Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika Lane Frantzve, and two children.