Manhunt underway for shooter who killed Kirk

LOS ANGELES (AFP)—Right-wing youth activist and influencer Charlie Kirk, a major ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead on Wednesday in a "political assassination" that sparked fears of more political violence in an increasingly febrile United States.

- LOS ANGELES (AFP)

Trump confirmed on social media that Kirk, 31, had died from his injuries.

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Kirk was hit while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.

Video from the scene showed him addressing a large crowd when the sound of a single shot rang out. Kirk appeared to collapse in his chair before the camera swiftly moved and sounds of panic erupted in the audience.

Investigators said they believed the single bullet had come from a campus rooftop, fired by someone dressed in black, in what appeared to be a targeted killing.

FBI Director Kash Patel said one person was being held.

"The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody," Patel said on X.