(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
Conservative influencer and Illinois native Charlie Kirk died after being shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10. President Donald Trump confirmed his death via social media.
Kirk, who grew up in the Chicago suburbs, last spring visited Illinois State University, where he drew hundreds, according to WGLT.
Livestream video of the event showed crowds of people running from the university’s courtyard where Kirk, 31, was holding a speaking event when the shooting occurred.
Authorities are still searching for the shooter but have recovered a rifle believed to have been used to fire the single fatal shot, according to USA TODAY.
A suspect has not identified, but authorities said in an update Sept. 11 that they recovered a high-powered rifle in the woods that is believed to have been used in the shooting.
The university also said the campus is closed and classes are canceled until further notice. “Police are investigating. Leave campus immediately. Follow police instructions,” states the university’s post on X.
Charlie Kirk’s body returned to Phoenix after fatal shooting
Charlie Kirk arrived home in Phoenix on Thursday.
Air Force Two touched down with his remains and casket on board, according to the USA TODAY network.
Vice President JD Vance went to Salt Lake City, Utah, aboard Air Force Two on Thursday and accompanied Kirk’s remains to Phoenix.
President Donald Trump said Kirk’s funeral could take place as soon as next weekend. The president told reporters he planned to attend.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker reacts to Charlie Kirk shooting
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, condemned the shooting, saying that political violence of this nature should never become the norm in the United States.
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is horrifying,” Pritzker said. “Political violence has no place in this country and should never become the norm. I’m sending my sympathies to his family and friends at this time.”
At a press conference Wednesday, Pritzker, while condemning the rise in political violence, said that Trump’s rhetoric “fomented” situations like Kirk’s death.
“Political violence, unfortunately, has ramped up in this country,” Pritzker said. “I think there are people who are fomenting it in this country. I think the president’s rhetoric often foments it.”
Illinois lawmakers react to Charlie Kirk shooting
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, who represents the state’s 16th Congressional District, said in a statement on Facebook that the attack on Kirk needed to be repudiated in the “strongest possible terms.”
“The rise in political violence across our country is abhorrent,” LaHood said. “This vile attack on Charlie Kirk (must) be condemned in the strongest possible terms and justice must be served.”
Kathy Salvi, the chair of the Illinois Republican Party, said in a statement that Kirk provided “invaluable” work for Republicans statewide and across the country. She noted that he engaged in “thoughtful, open, and honest” commentary on the nation’s issues.
“Charlie’s work for Republicans in Illinois and across the country was invaluable,” Salvi said. “Charlie gave an important and unique voice to young people across the country and engaged in thoughtful, open, and honest dialogue that our country desperately needs. Political violence has no place in this country and we continue to pray for Charlie’s family.”
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat, said that regardless of ideology, political violence is wrong and had no place in the United States.
“Political violence is wrong — no matter the ideology it stems from,” Durbin said. “It has zero place in our country. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family.”
Before the announcement of Kirk’s death, Durbin’s colleague, Tammy Duckworth, said that the attack was “horrifying” and shouldn’t happen in the U.S.
“It does not matter which side you are on. There is simply no place for political violence in this country,” Duckworth said. “This is horrifying and should not happen in America.”
Trump announces flags at half-staff until Sunday
Shortly after announcing the news of Kirk’s death, Trump said that flags at all public buildings across the nation will be flown at half-staff until sundown Sunday in his memory.
“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,” Trump said.
“I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”
Illinois Congressional Republicans honor Kirk with resolution
On Thursday morning, LaHood, along with his fellow Illinois Congressional Republicans – Rep. Mike Bost of the 12th Congressional District and Rep. Mary Miller of the 15th Congressional District – introduced a resolution honoring Kirk’s life while also condemning the violence that resulted in his death.
The resolution notes Kirk’s work in founding Turning Point USA, a conservative advocacy group, at the age of 18 and building it into an organization that has over 650,000 members and organizations on over 3,000 high schools and colleges around the country. It says that Kirk was committed to civil engagement of political debate, regardless of whether or not he agreed with their opinions.
The resolution also said that Kirk was a devoted husband and father to his wife, Erika, and their two young children, while also being committed to his Christian faith.
LaHood said that Kirk didn’t deserve to die because of his political beliefs, noting that he was someone invested in the next generation of American citizens through Turning Point USA.
“Charlie Kirk’s murder was a despicable act of political violence,” LaHood said. “He was a husband and father who did not deserve to die simply because of his political beliefs. Charlie dedicated his life to advocating for free speech, engaging in civil discourse, and investing in the next generation of Americans.”
Miller, a congresswoman from Oakland in east central Illinois, called Kirk a “martyr” for American conservatism, saying that he inspired millions of people to “stand boldly for their faith, to love America, and defend freedom.”
“Charlie Kirk was more than a conservative trailblazer, he was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a martyr for conservatism and Christianity,” Miller said. “As we honor his legacy with this Congressional Resolution, we lift Erika and their children in prayer and recommit ourselves to advancing the values he boldly championed.”
Bost, who hails from Murphysboro in southern Illinois, said that Kirk would leave behind a lasting impact in his commitment to engaging young Americans in the political process, along with his faith and love for his family.
“The murder of Charlie Kirk is a tragic reminder of just how far our nation has spiraled from the days of political discourse to the depths of political violence,” Bost said. “Charlie was a native son of Illinois whose faith, love of family, and commitment to thoughtfully engaging young people in the political process will leave a lasting mark.”
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Charlie Kirk, Illinois native and conservative influencer, dies after Utah shooting
Reporting by N’dea Yancey-Bragg, Jenny Porter Tilley and Zach Roth, USA TODAY NETWORK / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
