Charlie Kirk pronounced dead after being shot in the neck during university campus speech

“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” the president went on. “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!”

The US President has ordered all American flags to be flown at half-mast until Sunday.

Authorities do not have a suspect in custody, according to Utah Valley University spokesperson Ellen Treanor.

The school had said earlier in an alert that police had detained a suspect.

Mr Kirk, 31, was shot as he started to conduct a Q&A session with students.

Footage posted online shows crowds of people running away from the scene.

The university said: "A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker". Mr Kirk was hosting an event at the time of the incident.

Police say a suspect is in custody and police are investigating.

Former Democrat US Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama have paid tribute to Mr Kirk.

President Biden commented: "There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now.

"I am praying for Charlie Kirk's family and loved ones."

President Obama said: "We don't yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.

"Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie's family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children."

FBI Director Kash Patel said, “We are 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. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response."

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Donald Trump took to social media to call for prayers following the incident, writing: "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!"

His Vice-President, JD Vance also took to social media, writing: "Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father."

Senator for Utah, Mike Lee also posted on X saying: "I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely.

"Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there."

Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox said: "I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today.

"We will continue to share updates. 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."

California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X: "The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.

"Mr Kirk published a post on social media just minutes before the alleged shooting."

He wrote at 2.23pm EST (7.23pm BST): "WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour."

Mr Kirk, 31, is the co-founder of the conservative activist group Turning Point USA and leads multiple related political organisations.

The 31-year-old recently appeared on GB News and spoke to Ben Leo about free speech and immigration.

More to follow...