Gunman seen running from roof in bombshell new footage from Charlie Kirk investigation - as hunt for killer rumbles on

Gunman seen running from roof in bombshell new footage from Charlie Kirk investigation - as hunt for killer rumbles on
James Saunders

By James Saunders


Published: 11/09/2025

- 02:06

Updated: 12/09/2025

- 08:35
James Saunders

By James Saunders


Published: 11/09/2025

- 02:06

Updated: 12/09/2025

- 08:35

Check out all of the last 24 hours' coverage on the manhunt for Charlie Kirk's killer below

Additional reporting by George Bunn, Dimitris Kouimtsidis and Isabelle Parkin

Charlie Kirk's killer has still not been caught after more than 24 hours of searching.

Images and videos released by law enforcement from Thursday afternoon through into Friday morning show the "person of interest" wearing a black jumper with an eagle and the American flag draped over it.


The man can also be seen wearing a pair of blue jeans, black sunglasses and a black cap.

Later footage shows the suspected gunman running across a roof and into a car park before fleeing into nearby woodland.

Investigators also recovered a hunting rifle filled with ammunition engraved with "transgender and anti-fascist ideology", according to an internal law enforcement memo.

Mr Kirk, 31, was shot dead on Wednesday during a speech at a university campus in Utah.

President Donald Trump has revealed he will attend the activist's funeral in Arizona after his body was escorted by Vice President JD Vance to state capital Phoenix aboard Air Force Two.

"I spoke to Erika, his wife, and we had a long talk, and she’s devastated," Mr Trump told reporters at the White House.

"She's absolutely devastated, as you can imagine."

The First Lady, Melania Trump, said last night: "Charlie's children will be raised with stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father's voice should have echoed.

"Charlie Kirk's life should serve as a symbolic reminder that compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and country."

GB News will bring you the latest updates from the investigation as they happen over the coming hours and days.

WATCH: Gunman seen running from roof in bombshell new footage from Charlie Kirk investigation

Some 7,000 leads submitted by public to FBI - Utah Governor

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason has urged the public to pay attention to the suspect's "distinctive" T-shirt, black backpack and cap.

"We just ask for the public's cooperation. Through the public, the tips that have been coming in... are giving us our next leads and enabling us to continue to further this investigation," he added.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has also revealed that over 7,000 leads and tips have been submitted by the public, while more than 200 interviews have been completed.

The tips figure is the largest number the FBI has received over a single incident since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Forensic evidence 'being processed' - as Governor reveals preparations for death penalty underway

More from Utah's Governor Spencer Cox - who says forensic evidence is now bring processed in the hunt for Charlie Kirk's killer.

Mr Cox added that preparations were underway to pursue the death penalty - and blasted "disinformation on social media... including from foreign actors".

Utah's Governor shows video of gunman running from roof after Charlie Kirk was shot

Utah's Governor Spencer Cox has just shown a video of the suspected gunman running from a roof after Charlie Kirk was shot dead on Wednesday.

The man, who appears to be wearing the same outfit as the images seen below, can be seen dashing from the top of a building into a nearby car park.

He then walks to a nearby road and crosses it into a "wooded area".

Mr Cox has said the footage has been shown to "get help from the public" to find the "evil human being" who killed Mr Kirk.

We'll bring you that video as soon as we can.

IN FULL - FOUR new pictures released of 'person of interest' in Charlie Kirk probe

Person of interest in Charlie Kirk probe

'We're releasing additional photos of the person of interest in connection with the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,' officials said

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UTAH DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Authorities seize CCTV camera 'which recorded Charlie Kirk suspect' after shooting

Authorities have seized a home CCTV camera which may contain footage of the suspect in Charlie Kirk's killing.

A person at the home told Fox News that he believes his camera recorded the "person of interest" in a neighbour's garden.

Police and agents from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives descended on the home - with one seen climbing a ladder and removing a floodlight unit which included the camera.

Erwin Steele, a local homeowner, said his brother owns the camera that authorities confiscated.

It recorded a single person running through gardens on the street following Mr Kirk's shooting.

The street is near a wooded area where investigators recovered a rifle earlier in the investigation.

Investigators 'know Charlie Kirk's killer's name' - as hunt for mystery gunman reaches 28-hour mark

Investigators looking for Charlie Kirk's killer say they have identified the name of a "person of interest".

Just now, federal officers have told CBS News that they know the identity of a person they wish to speak to in relation to the killing.

However, no arrest warrant has been issued.

The manhunt has now reached the 28-hour mark.

Charlie Kirk attacker is an 'animal', says Donald Trump

Donald Trump has spoken to reporters in Washington ahead of departing for a trip to New York.

The US President described the attacker as an "animal" and added that Mr Kirk was a "great man", the BBC reports.

He also said he is hopeful progress is being made to find who he described as the the "sniper" that conservative activist.

Turning Point USA 'crushed and devastated' by death of founder who received 'thousands of threats throughout his life'

Turning Point USA has posted a statement from Charlie Kirk's X account to say it is "crushed and devastated" by the "hateful murder" of its founder.

The group said Mr Kirk was "no stranger to threats", having received "thousands throughout his life".

It wrote: "All of us have lost a leader, a mentor, and a friend.

"Above all, our hearts are with Erika and their two children. Charlie was the ideal husband and the perfect father.

"Above all else, we ask you to pray for the Kirks after the incomprehensible loss they have suffered."

The statement added: "Although Charlie is gone, his legacy will endure. He shall not grow old; age shall not weary him.

"For all time, he will remain the brave young man who inspired tens of millions of Americans to better themselves and take action to better America.

"All of us will miss Charlie. None of us will ever forget him."

FBI offers $100,000 reward for information 

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 (around £73,673.50) for information relating to the identification.

It said the reward will be given for "information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual(s) responsible for the murder of Charlie Kirk."

Anyone with information, including those with photos and video footage relating to the incident, have been asked to get in touch.

Bluesky warns users not to celebrate Charlie Kirk shooting

Social media platform Bluesky has urged its users not to celebrate the assassination of Charlie Kirk after dozens of horrific messages were posted online.

Bluesky, which surged in popularity after the 2024 election as a rival to Elon Musk’s X, moved quickly to warn its users.

The company posted: “Glorifying violence or harm violates Bluesky’s Community Guidelines.

“We review reports and take action on content that celebrates harm against anyone. Violence has no place in healthy public discourse.”

Meta, Reddit, Discord and YouTube also announced measures to restrict content tied to the killing.

Bullets used in shooting were engraved with 'transgender and antifascist ideology'

The bullets used in Charlie Kirk's shooting are said to have been engraved with transgender and antifascists ideology.

Despite the shooter still being on the run, the FBI have released information on the weapon and the ammunition used.

According to the Wall Street Journal, authorities have found bullets in the rifle and they were engraved with "expressions of transgender and antifascist ideology".

The feds had earlier said in a press conference that they had recovered a bolt-action rifle that had been discarded by the suspected assassin in a wooded area.

The Wall Street Journal cited an internal law enforcement bulletin and a source close to the investigation, stating that the .30 calibre rifle was found wrapped in a towel with three unspent rounds still in the magazine.

Foreigners who praise Charlie Kirk's assassination 'not welcome in the US'

Foreigners who are "praising, rationalising, or making light of" Charlie Kirk's assassination on social media are "not welcome" in the US, a state department official has said.

Christopher Landau, the deputy secretary of state, wrote on X: "In light of yesterday’s horrific assassination of a leading political figure, I want to underscore that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.

"I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light of the event, and have directed our consular officials to undertake appropriate action.

"Please feel free to bring such comments by foreigners to my attention so that the @StateDept can protect the American people."

FBI obtains key video footage of shooting but will NOT release it to the public

Police in Utah say they have footage of the man who shot conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, but it will not be released to the public.

Utah commissioner Beau Mason said they have footage of the shooter moving through the stairwell of the campus buildings.

They then found a shooting location on a roof, the officer said. After the shooting, he moved to the other side of the building, jumped off and fled from the campus into a neighbourhood.

Robert Bohls, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office, said the suspect is believed to be a male "of college age."

Alongside a weapon found in nearby woodlands, officers found an "impression of a palm print and forearm imprints".

Mr Mason said: "We do have good video of this individual. We are not going to release that at this time.

"We’re working through some technologies and some ways to identity this individual.

"If we are unsuccessful, we will reach out to you as the media and we will push that publicly to help us identify them. But we are confident in our abilities right now."

Donald Trump pays tribute to Charlie Kirk as 'champion of liberty'

President Donald Trump has paid tribute to Charlie Kirk during a 9/11 memorial service.

The Republican called the conservative activist a "giant of his generation", calling him a "champion of liberty."

He also confirmed he will posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Mr Kirk.

Authorities ask public not to harass former suspects

Utah Department of Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said: "During the investigative process, we located a couple of persons of interest.

"We interviewed those individuals, and after releasing them and after clearing them with being suspects, they faced scrutiny, they faced threats.

"These individuals were not suspects. They were people of interest...They don’t deserve that harassment."

Officers say they have found weapon used to kill Charlie Kirk

Officials believe they have recovered the firearm used to shoot Charlie Kirk.

Robert Bohls, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office, said they had made the discovery at a news conference.

Mr Bohls described the weapon as a "high-powered, bolt action rifle" that was "recovered in a wooded area where the shooter had fled."

 Utah commissioner Beau Mason holds a press conference

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said: "Historically on 9/11 law enforcement has come together as a group to recognize and honor those that sacrificed to preserve the ideal for this country, the freedoms of this country.

"Instead, we find ourselves today hunting a murderer who chose to violate our rights, the rights of an individual within this country."

World leaders pay tribute to Charlie Kirk

World leaders have paid tribute to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, after he was shot in the neck and killed during an event.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: "The news of the killing of Charlie Kirk, a young and popular Republican activist, is shocking.

"A heinous murder, a deep wound for democracy and for those who believe in freedom. My condolences go out to his family, his loved ones, and the American conservative community."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Charlie Kirk was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom.

"A lion-hearted friend of Israel, he fought the lies and stood tall for Judeo-Christian civilization. I spoke to him only two weeks ago and invited him to Israel. Sadly, that visit will not take place.

"We lost an incredible human being. His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact."

A spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry in Paris said: "France expresses its deep emotion following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

"France reaffirms its absolute rejection of all forms of political violence and its commitment to the necessity of calm dialogue, an essential foundation of any democracy."

The tragic irony of Charlie Kirk's assassination must sink in. We owe it to him and democracy, writes Lee Cohen

US commentator and columnist Lee Cohen has said the death of Charlie Kirk was a "profound loss."

Writing for GB News members, Lee wrote: "When ideas are met with violence rather than counterarguments, the foundations of democracy weaken.

"The tragedy recalls Britain’s own losses, Jo Cox, David Amess, and underscores the cost of demonising dissent.

"Kirk’s critics often painted him as extreme, yet his respect for opponents, even as they denied him the same, revealed a commitment to civility absent in those who resorted to force."

GB NEWS MEMBERS CAN READ LEE'S EXCLUSIVE ANALYSIS HERE

Boris Johnson pays tribute to Charlie Kirk - 'He had the courage to stand up publicly'

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has paid tribute to Charlie Kirk, saying the world has a "shiny new martyr to free speech".

He wrote on social media: "The murder of Charlie Kirk is a tragedy, and a sign of the utter desperation and cowardice of those who could not defeat him in argument.

"Charlie Kirk has been killed not for espousing extremist views - because he didn’t. He has been killed for saying things that used to be simple common sense.

"He has been killed because he had the courage to stand up publicly for reasonable opinions held by millions and millions of ordinary people both in the US and Britain.

"The world has a shining new martyr to free speech. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."

Charlie Kirk was talking about 'mass shooters' at the moment he was shot

Mr Kirk, who was married and the father of two young children, had just returned to the United States from an overseas speaking tour in South Korea and Japan.

His appearance on Wednesday was the first in a planned 15-event "American Comeback Tour" of US college campuses.

Mr Kirk was known for his Conservative views where he would invite members of the crowd to debate him live.

At the moment he was shot, Mr Kirk, a staunch advocate of the Constitution's Second Amendment right to bear arms, was being questioned by an audience member about gun violence.

Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz who was in attendance at the rally, spoke about the moment Mr Kirk was shot.

He told Fox News: "The first question was about religion. He went on for about 15-20 minutes. Second question, interestingly, was about transgender shooters, mass shooters, and in the midst of that, the shot rang out.

"As soon as that shot went out, he fell back. Everybody hit the deck...a lot of people started screaming, and then everybody started running."

WATCH: Ben Leo praises Charlie Kirk's legacy after heartfelt tribute descends into 'boos and shouting'

GB News host Ben Leo shared his profound sorrow following the killing of American conservative figure Charlie Kirk, stating that the situation is "desperately sad" for Mr Kirk's young family.

The fatal shooting happened on Wednesday afternoon at Utah Valley University, where Mr Kirk was addressing students during the opening event of an autumn campus tour.

"I just feel desperately sad for his two young children," Ben said, recalling a social media post from July 27 where Mr Kirk appeared on American breakfast television with his young daughter perched on his lap.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Manhunt remains ongoing for suspect in shooting

Police and federal agents mounted an intense manhunt on Thursday for the sniper believed to have fired the single gunshot that killed Mr Kirk as he was fielding questions about gun violence.

The lone perpetrator suspected of firing the single gunshot that struck Kirk in the neck, apparently from a rooftop sniper's nest on campus, remained "at large," said Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, at a news conference four hours later.

Security camera footage showed a person believed to be the assailant dressed in all-dark clothing, Mason told reporters. But some eight hours after the killing, authorities said they still had no suspect in custody.

State police issued a statement on Wednesday night saying that two men had been detained, and one was interrogated by law enforcement, but both were released.

Suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting remains at large

\u200bA memorial is held for Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed in Utah, at the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona

A memorial at the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona

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REUTERS

Authorities in the US still have no suspect in captivity in relation to the shooting of Charlie Kirk.

"This shooting is still an active investigation," the Utah Department of Public Safety said in a statement, adding it was working with the FBI, the Utah County Attorney’s office, the Utah County Sheriff’s office and local police departments.

After two suspects were taken in and released, "there is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter", the statement said.

Democrats react to the shooting of Charlie Kirk as attack condemned as 'disgusting, vile, and reprehensible'

Leading Democrats have paid tribute to Charlie Kirk, with the attack on the activist condemned as "disgusting, vile, and reprehensible."

Former President Joe Biden said: "There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones."

Veteran socialist Senator for Vermont Bernie Sanders said: "Political violence has no place in this country. We must condemn this horrifying attack. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family."

Former Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris added: "I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family.

"Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence."

Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani added: "I'm horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah. Political violence has no place in our country."

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who interviewed Mr Kirk for his podcast earlier this year, said: "The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible."

"In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form."

RECAP: Co-founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk shot dead in Utah

Good morning. If you're just waking up in the UK, here's a recap of everything we know about the shooting of Conservative campaigner Charlie Kirk.

Mr Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, apparently from a distant rooftop sniper's nest on campus.

Footage posted on social media showed the 31-year-old moving his hand toward his neck as he fell off his chair.

Emma Pitts, a reporter who witnessed the event, told NPR: "I just saw so much blood come out of the left side of Charlie's neck, and then he went limp."

Utah State police issued a statement saying that two men had been detained and one was interrogated by law enforcement, but both were subsequently released.

The statement read: "There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals...There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter."

Tributes poured in for the activist, with President Donald Trump saying: "My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it."

President Trump ordered all American flags across the US to be flown at half mast.

Utah's Republican Governor Spencer Cox told a press conference: "This is a dark day for our state, it's a tragic day for our nation...I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination."

Two 'suspects' in Charlie Kirk shooting CLEARED as police, FBI scramble for answers

Two men whom police had named as suspects in the Charlie Kirk case have been cleared of involvement in his shooting.

One of the men was charged with obstructing police, a joint statement from the FBI and Utah Public Safety Department said.

JD Vance and Melania Trump issue emotional tributes to Charlie Kirk

JD Vance and Charlie Kirk

US Vice President JD Vance paid tribute to 'true friend' Charlie Kirk

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GETTY

US Vice President JD Vance and First Lady Melania Trump have both issued emotional tributes to Charlie Kirk.

"You ran a good race, my friend," Mr Vance wrote at the end of a lengthy social media post. "We've got it from here."

Elsewhere, the VP said: "Charlie Kirk was a true friend. The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him.

"I am on more than a few group chats with Charlie and people he introduced me to over the years. We celebrate weddings and babies, bust each other's chops, and mourn the loss of loved ones.

"We talk about politics and policy and sports and life. These group chats include people at the very highest level of our Government. They trusted him, loved him, and knew he'd always have their backs."

Mrs Trump said earlier: "Charlie's children will be raised with stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father's voice should have echoed.

"Charlie Kirk's life should serve as a symbolic reminder that compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and country."

Tributes pour in from east Asia - where Charlie Kirk visited in his final weeks

Just weeks ago, Charlie Kirk travelled to Tokyo where he spoke at a symposium hosted by the country's right-wing Sanseito party, which made its political breakthrough in a July upper house vote after warning Japan of a "silent invasion" of migrants.

"I'm excited... to learn and to hopefully invigorate the people of your great nation to keep fighting this globalist menace," Kirk said in an interview with a Sanseito politician before the symposium.

Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya said he was "stunned and heartbroken" at the news of Kirk's death, calling him a "comrade committed to building the future with us".

"We had promised to meet again at his year-end event and had begun to imagine the work we would take on together," Kamiya said.

Speaking just this week on his podcast, Kirk said: "The same things we have been fighting for here - whether it be lawfare in South Korea or mass migration in Japan - this is a worldwide phenomenon."

Ron DeSantis: 'We need justice... We need the death penalty'

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has said he was "very angry with what happened today" as he demanded the death penalty for whoever shot Charlie Kirk.

"Obviously they gotta catch this guy," DeSantis fumed. "We need a very quick death penalty prosecution.

"I don't wanna see this take forever and a day. We need justice for this."

MSNBC fires commentator over 'unnaceptable' remarks about Charlie Kirk - before he denies blaming slain activist for shooting

Political commentator Matthew Dowd has been sacked from his role with US broadcaster MSNBC over comments he made about Charlie Kirk.

Rebecca Kutler, the network's president, said Mr Dowd "made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable".

He had been "on-air" during MSNBC's coverage of the shooting when he was asked by host Katy Tur to comment on "the environment in which a shooting like this happens".

He said: "We don't know any of the details of this yet, we don't know if this was a supporter shooting their guns off in celebration."

Mr Dowd then described Mr Kirk as "one of the most divisive younger figures" who was "constantly sort of pushing this hate speech... aimed at certain groups".

"I always go back to hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions," Mr Dowd said. "You can't stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and not expect awful actions to take place - and that's the unfortunate environment we're in."

The sacked commentator then apologised for his "tone and words", saying: "I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack.

"Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind."

10 hours pass since Charlie Kirk's shooting - as search STILL rumbles on

Ten hours have now passed since Charlie Kirk was shot.

At around 12.20pm MDT (7.20pm BST), Mr Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking on-stage at Utah Valley University.

Despite extensive searches and updates from local officials and the FBI, no suspect has been found.

Utah law enforcement issues update on shooter manhunt - as FBI opens up special 'tip line'

Law enforcement in Utah have issued an update on their manhunt for Charlie Kirk's killer.

Authorities said the pair who were arrested then released in relation to the shooting have "no current ties" to the incident.

"This shooting is still an active investigation," Utah's Department of Public Safety said.

It added that the shooting was a "targeted attack," the department says, with the suspect believed to have fired the fatal shot from the roof of a building to the courtyard in which Kirk was addressing crowds.

Meanwhile, the FBI has opened a "digital media tip line" in a bid to find information about the shooting.

Charlie Kirk's last message to his followers: A call for change - and fury at 'savage monster' who killed Ukrainian Iryna Zarutzka

Charlie Kirk's final message to his followers on social media was a call for change following the death of Iryna Zarutzka, the Ukrainian refugee stabbed to death on a train in August.

"If we want things to change, it's 100 per cent necessary to politicize the senseless murder of Iryna Zarutska because it was politics that allowed a savage monster with 14 priors to be free on the streets to kill her," he wrote.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi has now unleashed a federal prosecution against Brown Jr.

The alleged killer, 34 and homeless, has a history of mental health problems, arrests and convictions. He had already been charged with first-degree murder in North Carolina.

Republican Congresspeople from North Carolina have now demanded the removal of a state judge who released Brown Jr.

READ THE FULL STORY ON THE FALLOUT OVER IRYNA ZARUTZKA'S DEATH HERE

Police begin door-to-door searches as killer STILL not found

Police at Utah Valley University

The Utah Valley University campus itself is locked down, with heavily-armed officers roaming the area

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REUTERS

Police are going door-to-door in the area around the Utah Valley University campus in a bid to find Mr Kirk's killer, the BBC reports.

The campus itself is locked down, with heavily-armed officers roaming the area.

Police have barred anyone from entering the university itself.

Key details on Charlie Kirk shooting suspects as clock ticks in major manhunt

The clock is ticking on a major manhunt for the shooter who killed Charlie Kirk.

A man who was taken into custody in the immediate aftermath of Mr Kirk's death, 71-year-old George Zinn, was not the shooter, authorities revealed.

Another man who was taken into custody and questioned by police has now also been released.

Following Kash Patel's words earlier, the FBI is now working with local police to track down the killer - with Utah Governor Spencer Cox vowing the murderer may face the death penalty.

WATCH IN FULL: Donald Trump addresses America after Charlie Kirk's 'assassination'

Utah Valley University SHUTS until Monday after Charlie Kirk assassination

Utah Valley University has said its campus will be shut down until Monday September 14 in the wake of Charlie Kirk's killing.

"UVU campuses will be closed from September 11-14," a statement says. "All classes (in-person or virtual), campus events, and administrative operations will be suspended during this time. Please plan accordingly and make any necessary adjustments to your schedules."

PICTURED: Mourners gather across the US

Mourners bring flowers to a memorial for Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed in Utah, outside Turning Point in Phoenix, Arizona

PICTURED: Mourners bring flowers to a memorial for Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed in Utah, outside Turning Point in Phoenix, Arizona

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REUTERS

Charlie Kirk compared to JFK as tributes pour in from across America

Tributes have poured in across America and beyond for Donald Trump ally and conservative activist Charlie Kirk after he was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University.

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy has compared Mr Kirk to his uncle, John F Kennedy, writing: "Once again, a bullet has silenced the most eloquent truth teller of an era.

"My dear friend Charlie Kirk was our country's relentless and courageous crusader for free speech. We pray for [his wife] Erika and the children.

"Charlie is already in paradise with the angels. We ask his prayers for our country."

AMERICA MOURNS CHARLIE KIRK - READ THE FULL STORY HERE

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

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk died late on Wednesday evening after being shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University.

Mr Kirk, 31, was shot as he started to conduct a Q&A session with students - with highly graphic footage circulating online.

"A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker," the university said.

Mere minutes before the attack, Mr Kirk, a close Trump ally, had written on social media: "WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour."

But the President himself was later forced to confirm the 31-year-old had died.

“The great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead”, Mr Trump wrote on social media.

READ THE INITIAL STORY ON CHARLIE KIRK'S DEATH HERE

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