Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist and an ally of US President Donald Trump, was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The event was being held at an outdoor stage, where at least 1,000 people had gathered to hear Kirk speak.
Days before the tragic incident, Kirk had stirred a heated debate on US immigration by declaring that “America does not need more visas for people from India.” Posted on X (formerly Twitter) as a defence of American workers, his comment sparked outrage, particularly because it targeted a community that has played a key role in the US economy and innovation.
ALSO READ: Indian students, visitors can no longer apply abroad for a short-term US visa
Kirk made his statement amid talks that future US-India trade negotiations could include more visas for Indian professionals. By saying “we’re full” and portraying Indian immigration as a threat, Kirk cast a shadow over one of the most important sources of talent for US technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors.
Indian professionals often arrive in the US through universities. Tens of thousands of Indian students each year pursue advanced degrees, especially in STEM fields. They pay tuition, contribute to research, support faculty, and strengthen entire graduate programmes.
ALSO READ: US immigrants now face higher deportation risks. Here's why
Restricting visas would likely:
Kirk was shot about 12:10 p.m. local time, about 20 minutes after he began speaking on campus, which is about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City.
The event was the first of a 15-stop itinerary on what was called the American Comeback Tour, which had planned appearances at college campuses across the country.
Where was Kirk?
Kirk was sitting beneath a white tent emblazoned with "American Comeback" in an outdoor amphitheater on campus. Seconds before he was shot in the neck, he was asked a question about mass shootings in America.
Where was the shooter?
The shooter fired at Kirk from the Losee Center, a building about 200 yards away. The FBI director, Kash Patel, posted on social media a few hours after the shooting that the "subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody." But at a news conference a few minutes later, Utah officials described an individual in custody as a person of interest who was being interviewed about the shooting and said the investigation was ongoing to "find this killer."
What happened after?
Videos showed people fleeing from the event. Immediately after news of the shooting broke, statements expressing shock and horror began to pour in on social media from prominent figures on both the right and the left of the political spectrum.
Officials said that four agencies were investigating the shooting.
Days before the tragic incident, Kirk had stirred a heated debate on US immigration by declaring that “America does not need more visas for people from India.” Posted on X (formerly Twitter) as a defence of American workers, his comment sparked outrage, particularly because it targeted a community that has played a key role in the US economy and innovation.
ALSO READ: Indian students, visitors can no longer apply abroad for a short-term US visa
Kirk made his statement amid talks that future US-India trade negotiations could include more visas for Indian professionals. By saying “we’re full” and portraying Indian immigration as a threat, Kirk cast a shadow over one of the most important sources of talent for US technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors.
Indian professionals often arrive in the US through universities. Tens of thousands of Indian students each year pursue advanced degrees, especially in STEM fields. They pay tuition, contribute to research, support faculty, and strengthen entire graduate programmes.
ALSO READ: US immigrants now face higher deportation risks. Here's why
Restricting visas would likely:
- Reduce graduate enrolments, destabilising STEM departments.
- Dry up the supply of highly trained workers.
- Push talented individuals to Canada, Europe, or Australia, which have more welcoming immigration policies.
Kirk was shot about 12:10 p.m. local time, about 20 minutes after he began speaking on campus, which is about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City.
The event was the first of a 15-stop itinerary on what was called the American Comeback Tour, which had planned appearances at college campuses across the country.
Where was Kirk?
Kirk was sitting beneath a white tent emblazoned with "American Comeback" in an outdoor amphitheater on campus. Seconds before he was shot in the neck, he was asked a question about mass shootings in America.
Where was the shooter?
The shooter fired at Kirk from the Losee Center, a building about 200 yards away. The FBI director, Kash Patel, posted on social media a few hours after the shooting that the "subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody." But at a news conference a few minutes later, Utah officials described an individual in custody as a person of interest who was being interviewed about the shooting and said the investigation was ongoing to "find this killer."
What happened after?
Videos showed people fleeing from the event. Immediately after news of the shooting broke, statements expressing shock and horror began to pour in on social media from prominent figures on both the right and the left of the political spectrum.
Officials said that four agencies were investigating the shooting.
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