A major event for conservative youth group Turning Point USA, headlined by prominent Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk, descended into panic and chaos after a shooting occurred outside the venue in Utah on Saturday night.
The incident took place at the Orem Amphitheater, where Kirk was scheduled to speak to a large crowd of supporters. According to the American Fork Police Department, the shooting was reported at approximately 7:20 PM local time.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion and fear as the sound of gunfire pierced the air. "We heard what sounded like several pops, and then people started screaming and running," one attendee reported. Security personnel swiftly moved to secure the area and usher attendees to safety.
Initial police reports indicate the shooting was an isolated incident that took place in a parking lot near the amphitheatre. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene. Authorities have confirmed that a suspect was quickly located and taken into custody.
In a statement posted on social media, Charlie Kirk confirmed he and his team were safe and had been evacuated from the building. He denounced the act of violence, stating, "We will never be intimidated and will continue to speak the truth."
The event was subsequently cancelled. The investigation, led by the American Fork Police, is ongoing to determine the precise motive and circumstances behind the shooting. Police have stated there is no further threat to the public.
This alarming event highlights the increasingly tense and sometimes volatile nature of the current American political climate, where public figures and their events can become flashpoints for violence.
