NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A high-profile conservative activist is dead after a shooting on Wednesday at Utah Valley University.

Charlie Kirk, 31, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but did not survive.

Kirk was scheduled to speak later this month at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, one of several stops ahead of a fall tour that is now cut short by tragedy.

Witnesses said Kirk was on stage while speaking when he was shot. News of his death spread quickly, sparking reaction nationwide and here in Tennessee.

"He is someone who fought with words, and today, someone silenced those words," Meredith Ophelia, with the Nashville Young Republicans, said.

Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012. The organization grew to more than 850 campus chapters, known for bringing conservative speakers to colleges and sparking debates.

"He gave a voice to many young conservatives on college campuses that mainly push this liberal agenda to be able to stand up and voice their opinions and have educated debates," Tennessee Young Republicans Vice Chair Andrew Swafford said.

Political leaders across the aisle also spoke out:

This is a dark day in our nation's history. Charlie was committed to free speech, respectful debate and the American way. I hope you will join me in praying for his family. and the thousands of young people who looked up to him for having the courage every day to simply speak.

Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.)

The attack on Charlie Kirk is sickening and despicable. In America, we are supposed to settle our political disputes with discourse, not violence. We condemn this cowardly act and reject political violence in all forms.

Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus

⏩ Read today's top stories on wkrn.com

Late Wednesday night, FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X that the person initially taken into custody was released after interrogation. He said the investigation remains ongoing.

Kirk was just days away from launching his multi-city tour.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/nashville-young-republicans-others-react-to-charlie-kirks-death/