Orange County Cities Condemn Charlie Kirk Assassination

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Two Orange County cities spoke out against the political violence committed against conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University.

Video from the event shows Kirk falling from his chair as a shot was fired in his lower neck, multiple outlets reported.

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead," Trump said in a Truth Media post. "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"

The City of Huntington Beach lowered their flags half-mast in honor of Kirk and condemned the political violence that killed him.

"Charlie Kirk’s commitment to engaging in civil discourse, encouraging others to listen, learn, and understand differing viewpoints, whether or not they ultimately agreed, embodied the spirit of free speech and open debate that strengthens our nation," Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns said in a statement. "His assassination is not only a personal loss to his family, friends, and supporters, but a dark moment for America, underscoring the urgent need to reject violence as a response to ideological differences."

San Clemente Mayor Steve Knoblock also took to social media to condemn the violence.

"Violence in all forms should be condemned. Charlie Kirk invited input from any perspective in a true form of public dialogue. His willingness to listen to opposing views and answer without anger or disrespect is a model to which we can all aspire," he said on the City of San Clemente's Facebook. "I am so proud that in San Clemente we have a tradition of having lively debate, emotional public discourse and regular disagreement on the issues facing our community without violence or personal threats. We may have different ideas and opinions on the best solutions to our challenges, but we will continue to listen and learn from each other as we engage in something we all have in common, protecting and preserving our liberties as guaranteed in the Bill of Rights and enhancing the quality of life here in San Clemente."

The incident occurred at 12:10 p.m. during a Q&A session at Utah Valley University in Orem. Videos circulating online appear to show Kirk recoiling after a shot was heard, with blood pouring from his neck. He is seen discussing gang violence and mass shootings just prior to the attack in the videos.

"This public assassination, targeting a man who was simply striving to foster respectful conversation and challenge young men and women to embrace diverse perspectives, is a profound tragedy that strikes at the heart of our democratic values," Burns said.

Law enforcement officials said Thursday that the suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who is still at large, "appears to be of college age," and the FBI's Salt Lake City office released two photos of a person they are calling a person of interest in the case.

Late Thursday morning, the FBI released the images, asking for the public's help in identifying the man. The agency also announced a $100,000 reward in exchange for information leading to identification of the shooter.

The Associated Press is reporting the Utah Department of Public Safety has canceled a 12:45 p.m. (local time) news conference citing "rapid developments in our investigation." An updated time will be released later Thursday, according to authorities.