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.
Mr Trump announced the 31-year-old's death on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday evening, labelling Mr Kirk as a "great, and even legendary" figure.
Footage of the assassination emerged on social media, showing Mr Kirk speaking with a university student during an open-mic "Prove Me Wrong" event.
A loud bang was heard and the Turning Point USA founder was seen wounded in his chair - causing attendees to flee in panic.
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.
Footage of the assassination emerged on social media, showing Mr Kirk speaking with a university student during an open-mic 'Prove Me Wrong' event
|REUTERS
"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."
President Trump had said: "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!"
The President added that all American flags nationwide were to be flown at half-mast until 6pm on Sunday afternoon.
Vice President JD Vance shared Mr Trump's sentiments, adding: "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord."
The President added that all American flags nationwide were to be flown at half-mast until 6pm on Sunday afternoon
|GETTY
Tributes to the influential conservative spanned across America's deep political divide, with former President Joe Biden writing: "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."
Former Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, whom Mr Kirk helped President Trump to defeat in the 2024 election, wrote: "I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. [Husband] Doug [Emhoff] 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."
CHARLIE KIRK - READ THE LATEST:
- Keir Starmer leads UK tributes to Charlie Kirk after Trump ally shot dead at university
- Nigel Farage warns 'reaction will be huge' as he pays emotional tribute to Charlie Kirk
- Charlie Kirk pronounced dead after being shot in the neck during university campus speech
- WATCH: Charlie Kirk's full GB News interview
Former President Joe Biden said: 'There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now'
|REUTERS
California Governor Gavin Newson called on the American people to "engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse", before adding: "We should all feel a deep sense of grief and outrage at the terrible violence that took place in Utah today. Charlie Kirk's murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones."
And prominent conservative commentator Ben Shapiro joined in the tributes to Mr Kirk, saying: "I am utterly stunned and heartbroken and sick to my soul today. It is unimaginable to write these words.
"I met Charlie Kirk when he was 18 years old, a young man so eager and determined that I immediately turned to a friend and said: 'That kid is going to be the head of the RNC one day.'
"Charlie became even bigger and more important than that."
Outside the US, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Mr Kirk was "murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom".
He added: "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. Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk."
Sir Keir Starmer led Britain's tribute to the 31-year-old, saying: "My thoughts this evening are with the loved ones of Charlie Kirk. It is heartbreaking that a young family has been robbed of a father and a husband.
"We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear - there can be no justification for political violence."
And speaking on GB News, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage characterised Mr Kirk as "fun to be with, lively conversation and full of energy", before issuing a stark warning not to "underestimate what the reaction in America will be".
"it will be huge," Mr Farage added.