(NewsNation) — Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during an event at Utah Valley University.
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, the host of the “Independent Americans” podcast, told NewsNation that with Kirk’s shooting, political violence is seemingly becoming a “new normal” in American politics.
Who is Charlie Kirk? Conservative activist shot at event
“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 is reportedly in critical condition, and there is no suspect in custody.
