Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old radio and podcast host and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was shot and killed on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Many people have paid tribute to Kirk, including Senator Bernie Sanders, who is now serving his fourth term in the US Senate after winning re-election in 2024. Before that, he spent 16 years in the House of Representatives, making him the longest-serving independent member of Congress in US history.
Sanders said, "I want to say a few words regarding the terrible murder yesterday of Charlie Kirk — someone whom I strongly disagreed with on almost every issue but who was clearly a very smart and effective communicator and organizer — and someone unafraid to get out into the world and engage the public. My condolences go out to his wife and family.”
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{{/usCountry}}He added, "Freedom and democracy is not about political violence. It is not about assassinating public officials. It is not about trying to intimidate people who speak out on an issue."
He also said, "The killing of Charlie Kirk reflects a dangerous rise in political violence that puts public life at risk and discourages people from taking part in it."
About the suspect
A 22-year-old Utah man, Tyler James Robinson, was arrested in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a campus event, authorities confirmed Friday, as reported by AFP.
Robinson was admitted to Utah State University on a top academic scholarship, according to a video posted by a family member showing him reading his acceptance letter. A school spokesperson said he attended only one semester in 2021.
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After leaving Utah State, Robinson enrolled at Dixie Technical College, a small school in southern Utah near his hometown of Washington, a city of about 30,000 people located roughly 240 miles southwest of Utah Valley University, where the attack took place. At the time of his arrest, Robinson was in his third year in Dixie Tech’s electrical apprenticeship program, which prepares students to become electricians, lighting technicians, or electrical repair specialists.