President Donald Trump shared that his youngest son, Barron Trump, was profoundly impacted by the tragic passing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Kirk, a well-known political activist, was fatally shot on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University, moments after addressing a question about mass shootings in the United States.
Given Kirk’s prominence and his knack for sparking viral moments through the lively debates at his speaking engagements, it was no surprise that many attendees were recording the event on their mobile devices when the shot—thought to have originated from the rooftop of a nearby building—rang out.
These recordings quickly spread across the internet, with numerous clips circulating widely.
In the aftermath of Kirk’s passing, social media has been abuzz, with political leaders from both conservative and liberal sides of American politics united in their condemnation of the shooting.
A focused manhunt has been ongoing since Wednesday. On Sunday, the FBI released video evidence showing a suspect descending from a nearby rooftop, moving along the edge of a parking lot, and then vanishing from sight.
After discovering a rifle and ammunition concealed in a blanket within a wooded area near the university campus, images of the suspected shooter soon surfaced.
Donald Trump appeared on Fox News, where he disclosed that authorities had taken a suspect into custody.
During the interview, Trump was asked how he navigates discussing such a devastating event with children, particularly how he approached the conversation with his youngest son, Barron Trump.
Trump shared that Barron and Kirk had shared a meal together after Barron expressed his desire to meet the influential conservative figure.
“Barron’s an excellent student, and he came to me saying he wanted to meet someone you know: Charlie Kirk,” Trump recounted.
“He came back from the lunch and said, ‘Dad, that guy’s amazing.’ Charlie had a special way with young people, connecting with all kinds, black and white.
“He was deeply shaken when he learned about this.”
May Charlie Kirk rest in peace.