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(NEXSTAR) — Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at an event at a Utah college, the organization he co-founded has confirmed to the Associated Press. A law enforcement official told The Associated Press Kirk, who has been hospitalized, is in critical condition.

In a statement released shortly after 1:15 p.m. MT, Utah Valley University said a shot was fired at Kirk.

“He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating, a suspect is in custody,” the statement added.

Videos posted to social media show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” A single shot rings out and Kirk can be seen reaching for his neck with his right hand as he bled heavily.

Stunned spectators can be heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away. The Associated Press was able to confirm the videos were taken at the Sorensen Center courtyard on the Utah Valley University campus, where Kirk was speaking Wednesday.

A witness at the scene told Nexstar’s KTVX that the shooting appeared targeted.

“We all heard a shooting, like a big bang. We thought it was confetti. Then, everyone started ducking down. And then, I look over at Charlie Kirk and I see blood coming from his neck,” UVU student Luke Pitman said.

Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, a Republican who was at the event, said in an interview on Fox News Channel that he heard one shot and saw Kirk go back.

“It seemed like it was a close shot,” Chaffetz said, who seemed shaken as he spoke. He said there was a light police presence at the event and Kirk had some security but not enough.

“Utah is one of the safest places on the planet,” he said. “And so we just don’t have these types of things.”

The UVU campus has closed for the day, officials confirmed.

FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency is “closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.”

“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected,” he added. “Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) wrote on X that he had been briefed about the situation and that “those responsible will be held fully accountable.” Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) also wrote that he was “tracking the situation” and “praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance shared similar remarks, both asking for prayers for Kirk on Truth Social and X, respectively. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have issued similar statements.

Kirk founded Turning Point in suburban Chicago in 2012 alongside William Montgomery, a tea party activist, to proselytize on college campuses for low taxes and limited government. It was not an immediate success.

Despite early misgivings, Turning Point enthusiastically backed Trump after he clinched the GOP nomination in 2016. Kirk served as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, during the general election campaign.

Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the then-president. Trump and his son were equally effusive and often spoke at Turning Point conferences.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.