President Donald Trump issued an order on Wednesday that all American flags be lowered to half staff until Sunday evening at 6 p.m. in honor of conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

Trump shared the news in a post to his Truth Social platform, saying, “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.”

In honor of Charlie Kirk, President Trump is ordering all American flags throughout the U.S. to be lowered to Half Mast. pic.twitter.com/FOYHIZU2FD

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 10, 2025

Kirk was shot hours earlier while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, just 20 minutes after he’d begun to speak. Video quickly circulated of the moment when Kirk was shot by an individual who remains at large as of this writing. Chaos erupted on the scene as students fled in all directions.

Social media was immediately flooded with prayers and well-wishes for Kirk, his wife Erika, and their two young children — but Trump made the heartbreaking announcement a few hours later that his friend had died.

“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 said in a statement.

“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… pic.twitter.com/aM8Pz3TKml

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 10, 2025

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot at a university event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, multiple sources confirm to The Daily Wire.

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during one of his signature events at the college campus in Orem, Utah. According to sources at the event, Kirk appeared to be hit in the neck area by a single gun shot. His condition is unknown.

A spokeswoman for the university said that the suspect fired at Kirk from about 200 yards away from a building called the Losee Center, the New York Times reported.

Reporters on the scene from local Deseret News say a suspect was taken into custody. The suspect appears to be an older white male, according to images from the scene. FBI Director Kash Patel said minutes after the attack that agents were on the way to the university.

Prayers poured in immediately for Kirk, who has emerged as a leading conservative voice and played a central role in President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign. Kirk has been a major figure in the conservative movement since founding Turning Point USA in 2012. The conservative commentator was well known for his campus speeches and debates with liberal students.

President Donald Trump called on all his supporters to pray for Kirk.

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump said.

“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” added Vice President JD Vance.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said that FBI and ATF agents were on the scene, adding, “PRAY FOR CHARLIE.”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said that he was being briefed on “the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today.”

“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected,” Cox added.

Others on social media also posted that they were praying for Kirk. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth posted, “Prayers for Charlie Kirk. An incredible Christian, American, and human being. May the healing hand of Jesus Christ be upon him.”

Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro wrote, “Pray for Charlie and all other innocents.”

Daily Wire host Matt Walsh added, “Charlie Kirk is a great man and a great fighter for the cause. Most importantly he’s a husband and a father. I’m praying for him and his family right now. Please do the same.”

Daily Wire host Michael Knowles also urged his followers to pray for Kirk.

This is a breaking news story. Please refresh for updates.