MN Reacts After Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Is Shot At University Event

Charlie Kirk, co-founder and CEO of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during a college event in Utah, President Donald Trump announced. He was 31.

The shooting happened during Turning Point’s visit to Utah Valley University in Orem. The college reported that a suspect has been taken into custody.

Kirk was a prominent conservative commentator who drew large audiences on campuses nationwide.

Trump wrote on Truth Social following news of Kirk’s death:

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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!"

Read more: Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead In Utah

Several Minnesota officials had already issued statements when Kirk was first reported to be in critical condition.

Those messages came before confirmation of his death:

Sen. Tina Smith: “Horrific. We all need to condemn these acts of political violence that are becoming far too commonplace in this country. We can’t continue like this.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar: “I am praying for Charlie Kirk and his family. There is no place for political violence in our country. It needs to be condemned and it needs to stop -- now.”

Gov. Tim Walz: “An open forum for political dialogue and disagreement was upended by a horrific act of targeted violence. In America, we don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint. I’m praying for Charlie, his family, and his young children.”

Rep. Tom Emmer: “This type of political violence cannot continue. We all need to pray for Charlie Kirk.”

Rep. Michelle Fischbach: “Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and his family.”

Rep. Pete Stauber: “Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk.”

Rep. Ilhan Omar: "Political violence is absolutely unacceptable and indefensible. Unconscionable acts of violence should have no place in our country. Let’s pray for no more lives being lost to gun violence."

Rep. Betty McCollum: "I am disgusted and horrified by the shooting of Charlie Kirk that took place this afternoon in Utah. We must unite as a nation to condemn this and all political violence. Americans must come together to stop the epidemic of gun violence in the United States."

This is a breaking news story.