Charlie Kirk, an influential conservative activist and ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot during a public speech at Utah Valley University. The incident occurred during his American Comeback Tour, according to the Guardian website.
Videos from the scene show students panicking and the moment of the attack, in which Kirk was shot and then evacuated by security forces.
Police confirmed that the suspect is already in custody, but Kirk's condition was unknown. However, some media outlets reported his death.
Several well-known figures, including Trump, the governor of Utah, and several senators, responded to the attack, expressing their solidarity and condemning the violence.
Many described him as an extraordinary American and faithful Christian and called on the public to pray.
The FBI and university police are investigating the case.
Late at night, the US president confirmed on the social network Truth that Charlie Kirk is no longer with us.
“The great, even legendary Charlie Kirk is dead. No one understood or had the heart of youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. EVERYONE loved and admired him, especially me, and now he is no longer with us. Melania and I extend our condolences to his beautiful wife Erika and his family. Charlie, we love you!” he wrote.
(lup)