(NewsNation) — Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot at an event at Utah Valley University Wednesday.
Kirk, 31, is well known for his debates with college students on political issues. Turning Point USA is his grassroots activist network with a presence on over 3,500 high school and college campuses, according to its website.
Paul Rieckhoff, host of the “Independent Americans” podcast, told NewsNation that with Kirk’s shooting, political violence is seemingly becoming a “new normal” in American politics.
“It’s very terrible, and I think this is related to a larger trend of violence because of our politics,” Rieckhoff said. “I think it is a national security issue, and there is a long, overdue conversation to be had about better security for our leaders.”
He continued his point with the assassination attempts on President Donald Trump and the attack on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband.
Kirk was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries, Trump said.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” the president wrote.