FROM NBC NEWS: Justin Hickens, who said he was about 20 yards from the shooting, told NBC News’ Tom Llamas that he saw Kirk get hit after a gunshot rang out during the event at Utah Valley University.
“We heard a big loud shot, I saw a bunch of blood come out of Charlie, I saw his body kind of kick back and go limp, and everybody dropped to the ground,” Hickens said.
After a few moments, people started running out of the outdoor pavilion area, knocking over barricades. Hickens said he slowed down once he realized there were no more shots being fired and he felt safe.
“I kind of turned around and all of a sudden I saw officers walking with this very elderly gentleman with white hair,” Hickens said. “They had him arrested, they had him on his knees and he was screaming about his rights and all that stuff. They cuffed him and put him away.”
There was no metal detectors to get into the event, Hickens said, though there was security by Kirk himself.
Several witnesses reported seeing Kirk shot near his neck during a Q&A with students.
Kirk was launching his “American Comeback Tour” on Wednesday at Utah Valley University, starting with his trademark “prove me wrong” table.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and host of The Charlie Kirk Show, leads one of the nation’s most prominent conservative youth movements.
President Donald J. Trump posted a message after the shooting, writing, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Trump has had many positive things to say about Kirk, including during a campaign rally the day before he was sworn in to a second term in January, saying, “Charlie is fantastic. I mean, this guy.”
Images of Kirk being shot are circulating on social media, as are images of what might be the shooter.
A Kirk spokesperson has said Kirk is at the hospital. No new updates have been released.
BREAKING: Charlie Kirk spokesperson gives update, Republicans react to shooting
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