Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday at a Utah college event.The death was announced on social media by President Donald Trump, who praised the 31-year-old Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the youth organization Turning Point USA, as "Great, and even Legendary." "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie," Trump posted on his Truth Social account.On Thursday, the FBI released photos of a person of interest in the shooting. No arrests have been made.Iowa governor orders flags at half-staff in memory of KirkGov. Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags be flown at half-staff, effective immediately, until sunset on Sunday in memory of Charlie Kirk. President Donald Trump also issued a proclamation to lower the U.S. flag for the same time frame.Flags will also be at half-staff on Thursday for Patriots Day and in memory of those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Iowa political leaders reactShortly after the shooting, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, posted on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, asking his followers to join him in praying for Kirk.Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, posted a tweet about an hour after the shooting: "Horrific news from Utah Valley University. Kevin and I are praying for Charlie Kirk and his family."Later, Reynolds posted: "It is with heavy hearts that Kevin and I share our deepest condolences with the family of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was beloved by many for standing up for conservative values and inviting constructive debate and dialogue among young Americans. Political violence has no place in this country."Other Iowa political leaders on both sides of the aisle have shared their condolences and prayers on social media and in news releases.Iowa GOP chair Jeff Kaufmann: "I ask everyone to join me in praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and everyone affected by his passing. Political violence has no place in our country – ever. In America, we settle our differences at the ballot box, not through threats or violence. It’s time to lower the temperature and come together as Americans to unequivocally condemn any and all forms of political violence."The Iowa Democratic Party posted a statement on social media, saying, "The news coming out of Utah that Charlie Kirk was shot while at a college event is appalling. Political violence has no place in our country."U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa: "Political violence has no place in our country. I’m heartbroken to see a young father taken from his family far too soon. This never should have happened. May Charlie Kirk rest in peace."U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa 01: "Today, a loving wife lost her husband, two beautiful children lost a loving father, and our country lost one of its strongest voices. Charlie was a patriot who loved his country and led with dignity and faith. His passion for open dialogue and his commitment to America’s future inspired millions. This horrific act of political violence is not only an attack on Charlie, but on the very principles of free speech and democracy. This attack is heartbreaking and political violence is unacceptable. We grieve with his family, his friends, and all who looked to him for leadership and truth. May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his legacy by rejecting hate and recommitting ourselves to civility and peace."U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa 02: "This is terrifying. Please join Matt and me in praying for Charlie Kirk and all attendees at his event today in Utah as we wait for more information."Hinson later posted: "After today’s horrific shooting, I was praying for a miracle and am heartbroken that Charlie Kirk has passed away. Charlie was passionate & charismatic, dedicating his life to engaging with young people. I am devastated for his wife, Erika, and two children, and will be keeping them in my prayers & close to my heart as they grieve. There is no place for political violence in America. This has to stop — now."U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa 03: "Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk, his family, and the students gathered in Utah Valley. Political violence has no place in America."Nunn later posted: "Charlie Kirk’s death is an assassination of America’s First Amendment Rights."U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa-04: "I am devastated and heartbroken to learn of the passing of Charlie Kirk. May God grant his family comfort and may Charlie rest in peace."Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, a Democrat and candidate for Governor: "Whether it was the assassinations in Minnesota earlier this summer or the shooting today, I'm disgusted by the escalation of political violence across our country. This cannot be the new norm. We must come together to reform the broken political system that has brought us here."Iowa State Attorney General Brenna Bird, a Republican: "My heart breaks for Erika Kirk and her children. Please join me and Bob in prayer for Charlie’s family and our country."State Rep. Taylor Collins, a Republican and chair of the Iowa House Committee on Higher Education: "Charlie Kirk was a patriot who dedicated his life to changing the culture on our college campuses. Yesterday, his life was taken while he engaged in civil debate - debate that should be celebrated, not silenced. While we mourn Charlie’s passing, we will continue the work of promoting civil debate of the issues most important to our Republic - especially on our college campuses."Iowa Board of Regents President Sherry Bates: "As a Board, we affirm the importance of free speech. Violence is never the answer, no matter how much people disagree. It has no place on our campuses, and no one should feel unsafe when sharing their views.The creation of civic and intellectual freedom centers on our campuses underscores our commitment to ensuring universities remain places of safe, respectful and open dialogue. These centers will provide scholarship and discussion regarding our great nation and the Constitutional principles on which it was founded. Differing opinions will be heard, but threats and violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.Our universities will continue to provide a secure environment on our campuses for faculty, staff, students and visitors."Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.» Subscribe to vlog's YouTube page» Download the free vlog app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
DES MOINES, Iowa — Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was .
The death was announced on social media by President Donald Trump, who praised the 31-year-old Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the youth organization Turning Point USA, as "Great, and even Legendary."
"No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie," Trump posted on his Truth Social account.
On Thursday, the . No arrests have been made.
Iowa governor orders flags at half-staff in memory of Kirk
Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags be flown at half-staff, effective immediately, until sunset on Sunday in memory of Charlie Kirk. President Donald Trump also issued a proclamation to lower the U.S. flag for the same time frame.
Flags will also be at half-staff on Thursday for Patriots Day and in memory of those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Iowa political leaders react
Shortly after the shooting, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, , formerly Twitter, asking his followers to join him in praying for Kirk.
Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, : "Horrific news from Utah Valley University. Kevin and I are praying for Charlie Kirk and his family."
Later, : "It is with heavy hearts that Kevin and I share our deepest condolences with the family of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was beloved by many for standing up for conservative values and inviting constructive debate and dialogue among young Americans. Political violence has no place in this country."
Other Iowa political leaders on both sides of the aisle have shared their condolences and prayers on social media and in news releases.
Iowa GOP chair Jeff Kaufmann: "I ask everyone to join me in praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and everyone affected by his passing. Political violence has no place in our country – ever. In America, we settle our differences at the ballot box, not through threats or violence. It’s time to lower the temperature and come together as Americans to unequivocally condemn any and all forms of political violence."
The Iowa Democratic Party , saying, "The news coming out of Utah that Charlie Kirk was shot while at a college event is appalling. Political violence has no place in our country."
: "Political violence has no place in our country. I’m heartbroken to see a young father taken from his family far too soon. This never should have happened. May Charlie Kirk rest in peace."
, R-Iowa 01: "Today, a loving wife lost her husband, two beautiful children lost a loving father, and our country lost one of its strongest voices. Charlie was a patriot who loved his country and led with dignity and faith. His passion for open dialogue and his commitment to America’s future inspired millions. This horrific act of political violence is not only an attack on Charlie, but on the very principles of free speech and democracy. This attack is heartbreaking and political violence is unacceptable. We grieve with his family, his friends, and all who looked to him for leadership and truth. May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his legacy by rejecting hate and recommitting ourselves to civility and peace."
, R-Iowa 02: "This is terrifying. Please join Matt and me in praying for Charlie Kirk and all attendees at his event today in Utah as we wait for more information."
: "After today’s horrific shooting, I was praying for a miracle and am heartbroken that Charlie Kirk has passed away. Charlie was passionate & charismatic, dedicating his life to engaging with young people. I am devastated for his wife, Erika, and two children, and will be keeping them in my prayers & close to my heart as they grieve. There is no place for political violence in America. This has to stop — now."
, R-Iowa 03: "Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk, his family, and the students gathered in Utah Valley. Political violence has no place in America."
: "Charlie Kirk’s death is an assassination of America’s First Amendment Rights."
, R-Iowa-04: "I am devastated and heartbroken to learn of the passing of Charlie Kirk. May God grant his family comfort and may Charlie rest in peace."
, a Democrat and candidate for Governor: "Whether it was the assassinations in Minnesota earlier this summer or the shooting today, I'm disgusted by the escalation of political violence across our country. This cannot be the new norm. We must come together to reform the broken political system that has brought us here."
, a Republican: "My heart breaks for Erika Kirk and her children. Please join me and Bob in prayer for Charlie’s family and our country."
State Rep. Taylor Collins, a Republican and chair of the Iowa House Committee on Higher Education: "Charlie Kirk was a patriot who dedicated his life to changing the culture on our college campuses. Yesterday, his life was taken while he engaged in civil debate - debate that should be celebrated, not silenced. While we mourn Charlie’s passing, we will continue the work of promoting civil debate of the issues most important to our Republic - especially on our college campuses."
Iowa Board of Regents President Sherry Bates: "As a Board, we affirm the importance of free speech. Violence is never the answer, no matter how much people disagree. It has no place on our campuses, and no one should feel unsafe when sharing their views.
The creation of civic and intellectual freedom centers on our campuses underscores our commitment to ensuring universities remain places of safe, respectful and open dialogue. These centers will provide scholarship and discussion regarding our great nation and the Constitutional principles on which it was founded. Differing opinions will be heard, but threats and violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Our universities will continue to provide a secure environment on our campuses for faculty, staff, students and visitors."
Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.
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