Kenya, Sept. 11 -- Charlie Kirk's assassination has left the nation reeling after the conservative activist was fatally shot by a sniper during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem on September 10, 2025, marking a chilling political assassination.

The attack, executed from a rooftop 100-200 yards away, struck Kirk in the neck as he spoke at a Turning Point USA "Prove Me Wrong" session, leading to his immediate death and triggering a campus lockdown.

President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy, lauding Kirk as a "patriot" while blaming "radical left" rhetoric, a statement that drew sharp backlash for deepening divisions as the FBI intensifies its manhunt.

The incident unfolded around 12:20 p.m. MDT when a single shot rang out, captured on video showing Kirk collapsing amid a crowd of about 3,000. Witnesses described panic as blood gushed from his neck, with security and university police rushing to evacuate the area.

The sniper, believed to have fired from a nearby building, fled, prompting an urgent lockdown and a multi-agency response involving the FBI and local authorities. Kirk, 31, known for his role in rallying young conservative voters and his close ties to Trump, was pronounced dead at the scene, a loss mourned by allies like Vice President JD Vance, who called for prayers, and condemned across party lines by figures like Governor Gavin Newsom.

The attack has sparked a nationwide discussion about political violence, further intensified by Trump's remarks. Speaking from Mar-a-Lago, he linked the assassination to "years of left-wing hate", a narrative criticised by Democrats as divisive at a time of grief.

Social media reflects a split, with some honouring Kirk's legacy and others questioning the rhetoric driving such acts. The FBI, alongside Utah police, continues searching for the shooter, with early reports suggesting a planned strike tied to Kirk's controversial stances.

As the Charlie Kirk assassination reverberates, the call for unity grows amid a nation in mourning. With investigations unfolding and a suspect still at large, the focus turns to preventing further violence, ensuring campus safety, and addressing the root causes of this tragic loss in America's polarised landscape.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.