Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to pursue those behind political violence following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

Kirk, a prominent Trump ally and head of the youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot during a campus event on Wednesday, prompting nationwide shock and condemnation.

Authorities confirmed that Kirk died after being struck by a single bullet, reportedly fired from a distance during one of his “Prove Me Wrong” debates. Utah Valley University was placed on lockdown, and classes and events have been suspended. The FBI and local law enforcement have launched a joint investigation, describing the incident as a political assassination.

Police initially detained a suspect but later released the individual after finding no evidence of involvement. As of Thursday morning, no one has been charged, and investigators are appealing to the public for information, including video footage from the scene.

In a forceful statement, Trump praised Kirk as a “martyr for truth” and accused the radical left of fostering a climate of hostility. He pledged to target not only individuals but also organizations that fund or encourage political violence.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox also condemned the killing, vowing to cooperate with federal agencies to bring the shooter to justice.

The attack has reignited debate over political polarization in the United States, with leaders across the spectrum warning against the dangers of escalating violence in public discourse. The search for the shooter continues as tributes pour in for Kirk from conservative circles and beyond.