Trump calls killing of Charlie Kirk 'dark moment' for US, says 'radical left' rhetoric responsible

Charlie Kirk, the founder of the influential United States-based conservative media outlet Turning Point USA (TPUSA), has died after being shot near the neck while at an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University near Salt Lake City.

The shooting occurred approximately 20 minutes into Kirk’s question-and-answer session in front of a crowd of about 3,000 students.

U.S. president Donald Trump announced his death on social media.

He has now come out with a video mourning the death of Kirk.

In the video, Trump expressed his "grief and anger" at the "heinous assassination" of Kirk.

He called Kirk a "martyr" for truth and freedom.

Trump then called this a "dark moment" for the country.

He then turned to the "anger" part of the speech.

Trump aimed his sights on the "radical left", and said their rhetoric was responsible for the "terrorism" he said they are seeing today.

He then said, "This must stop now".

Trump brought up examples, including his attempted assassination in 2024, and the attacks on ICE agents, as examples of "radical left violence".

Trump had also ordered flags to be flown half-mast in honour of Kirk.

Image from White House/YouTube