FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk is dead.
He was shot and killed Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
The shooting was during the first stop of his American Comeback Tour.
Utah officials say a “person of interest” is in custody.
Kirk was a figure in the MAGA-world, and recently appeared in the Central Valley.
It was September 2nd, that the activist and podcaster spoke to a sold-out crowd at Visalia Assembly First Church.
Kirk joked with the audience; “I debate on college campuses about a hundred hours a semester. I visit college campuses so you don’t have to, you’re welcome by the way, I have to say that. You, as California taxpayers, have given me more free content for videos than any other university system.”
The private event called “Advancing the Mission” was organized by the Church and Pro-life Organization TKRL Tulare-Kings Resources for Life.
Earlier this year, Kirk surprised his base, sitting with California’s governor as Gavin Newsom debuted his podcast.
The two were having a cordial conversation about trans athletes competing in female sports.
After learning of Kirk’s death, Gov. Newsom wrote on X:
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer released a statement, late Wednesday.
A STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF CHARLIE KIRK
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. My heart goes out to his wife and two young children.
Charlie visited the Central Valley just last week demonstrating his appreciation for this region.
No matter what our political beliefs are, there’s no place in our society for this type of hate. We must be able to have honest conversations and even disagreements without resorting to violence.
Charlie was someone who believed strongly in his convictions and wasn’t afraid to speak up — and whether you agreed with him or not, what happened to him was wrong.
In Fresno, we believe in treating people with dignity and respect. We stand in unity for peace — not division and violence.
Let us honor Charlie’s life by fostering understanding, even in disagreement, and by choosing to respond to one another with grace.”
Photo: FOX NEWS
The New York Yankees posted on X:
Before tonight’s game we held a moment of silence in memoriam of Charlie Kirk. Kirk founded the youth activist group “Turning Point USA” and had become a fixture on college campuses. Charlie Kirk, a husband and father of two children, was 31 years old.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
