From one moment to the next, Utah Valley University became the scene of one of the most important political tragedies in recent times, after the right-wing presenter and activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event that caused his death.

After confirming the politician's death and sending condolences to his Donald Trump ordered the country's flags to be flown at half-staff after the murder of one of his close allies.

"In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly great American patriot, I have ordered that all American flags across the United States be flown at half-staff until Sunday afternoon," he announced on the Truth Social platform.

The Republican also canceled a dinner he had planned for this Wednesday with collaborators in the newly remodeled White House Rose Garden.

Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while participating in an event on the campus of Utah Valley University (UVU) in front of hundreds of people.

The activist was transferred in critical condition to Timpanogos Hospital, in the city of Oren, but Trump himself announced his death.

Married and the father of two children, Kirk was an activist, writer and commentator known mainly for having founded Turning Point, a student organization that promotes conservative values.

By many accounts, Kirk became a national figure as a conservative influencer and as the founder of Turning Point USA, an organization that pushes for conservative policies on high school and college campuses.

He even spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where he gave a speech focused on what Kirk says he's heard from young people across the United States.

Furthermore, Trump had credited Kirk for mobilizing and motivating the youth vote in his favor. Kirk last appeared in the Oval Office in May, during the swearing-in ceremony of Judge Jeanine Pirro.