In the US, an unknown person shot and killed influential far-right activist Charlie Kirk. This happened during a debate in the US state of Utah on September 10, writes CNN.
The bullet hit Kirk in the neck, doctors were unable to save his life.
Initially, it was reported that the shooter was detained on the spot, but later it turned out that they took the wrong person. The search for the killer continues.
Law enforcement officers believe that the attacker fired a single shot from the roof of a neighboring building.
Trump's reaction
"I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror," he said in the video.
"This is a dark moment for America," the president added, describing the efforts of the activist who traveled the country and held good faith debates.
Trump said Americans and the media should "confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree."
"My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it, as well as those who go after our judges, law enforcement officials and everyone else who brings order to our country," the White House chief said.
Security measures at the debate
According to some witnesses, no security measures were provided during the event. Tickets and personal belongings of attendees were not checked. At the same time, Utah Valley University Police Chief Jeff Long said that six police officers were on duty at the scene.
The crowd also included plainclothes police officers and Kirk's bodyguard, who accompany him on trips.
"We trained for these things. And you think you have things covered. And these things, unfortunately, they happen. You try to get your bases covered. And unfortunately, today we didn't, and because of that, we had this tragic incident," Long said.
Who is Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk is an American political activist, blogger, and host of the podcast The Charlie Kirk Show. He is a Republican and is known for his advocacy of conservative views, criticism of "liberal" ideas, and calls for the end of U.S. financial aid to Ukraine.
He rose to prominence during Donald Trump's first presidential campaign as one of the key figures in the young conservative movement. Trump previously praised Kirk for his crucial role in winning the votes of young voters in last year's presidential election.
Dialogue before the shooting
Viewer:
— Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?
Kirk:
— Too many.
Viewer (continues):
— Five. Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?
Kirk:
— Counting or not counting gang violence?
Then a shot rang out.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been more than 5,700 mass shootings (four or more deaths) in the United States since 2013. And only five cases involved transgender people.
Recall that Trump previously called for the execution of an American who killed a refugee from Ukraine.
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