Conservative activist and close Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck during a Utah Valley University event on Wednesday and is in critical condition, police said. Videos on social media show Kirk speaking under a white tent with slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong” when a gunshot rang out.A video from the scene shows Kirk bleeding heavily as panicked attendees rushed to safety. Authorities confirmed that a suspect has been taken into custody. He immediately grabbed his neck as the crowd screamed and ran. The shooting happened at the Sorensen Center courtyard on campus, according to AP.Trump put out a post urging everyone to pray for Kirk. “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Who is Charlie Kirk?

Charlie Kirk, 32, is one of the most prominent pro-Trump activists and conservative media personalities in the US.CEO and co-founder of youth group Turning Point USA, Kirk launched the group in 2012 to promote conservative politics on school and college campuses.Raised in suburban Chicago, Kirk got into politics as a teenager, volunteering for a Senate campaign and even leading a protest over cafeteria prices in high school. He briefly attended Harper College before dropping out to pursue activism full-time.Mentored at 18 by Tea Party activist Bill Montgomery, Kirk grew Turning Point into a network that includes Turning Point Action, Turning Point Faith, Turning Point Academy, and the Turning Point Endowment.He is married to Erika Frantzve, a podcaster and businesswoman, and they have two children.