Donald Trump has shared that his son, Barron Trump, has been left “very hurt” following the death of Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, a prominent political activist, was fatally shot on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University, shortly after responding to a question about mass shootings in the United States.
Because of Kirk’s public profile and his reputation for producing viral debate clips at his events, many attendees had their phones out recording at the moment the shot rang out — a bullet believed to have been fired from the rooftop of a nearby building.
Those videos quickly spread online, with several circulating widely across social media.
In the aftermath of Kirk’s death, political leaders from across the spectrum, both right and left, condemned the shooting.
A major manhunt has been ongoing since Wednesday. On Thursday, the FBI released surveillance footage showing a suspect climbing down from a rooftop, moving along the edge of a parking lot, and then vanishing from sight.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JULY 15: CEO of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk speaks on stage on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his party’s presidential nomination. The RNC takes place from July 15-18. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Soon after, authorities discovered a rifle and ammunition wrapped in a blanket in a wooded area near the university campus. Images of the suspected shooter began to emerge shortly thereafter.
On Friday morning, President Donald Trump appeared on Fox News, where he announced that a suspect had been taken into custody.
During the interview, Trump was asked how he approached the difficult task of discussing such a horrific event with children, specifically his youngest son, Barron.
Trump explained that Barron and Kirk had previously met for lunch after Barron expressed a desire to meet the conservative commentator.
“Barron’s a very good student, and Barron came to me and said he would like to meet someone you know: Charlie Kirk,” Trump said.
“I arranged a lunch, and Barron came back saying, ‘That guy’s great, Dad.’ Charlie had a magic with kids, and he connected with all kinds of people — black, white, very diverse.”
“He was very hurt when he saw this,” Trump added.
Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk.
