Authorities in the United States were still searching for the gunman behind the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a close ally of Donald Trump, who was gunned down at Utah Valley University in Orem. The attack, which occurred during an event attended by about 3,000 people, has triggered outrage across the political spectrum and prompted President Trump to issue a stern warning against political violence.

The Utah Department of Public Safety said the case remains an active investigation in collaboration with the FBI and local police. While two suspects were briefly detained, they were later released. Officials said security footage is being analysed, with the shooter believed to have fired from a rooftop while dressed in dark clothing.

Governor Spencer Cox condemned the incident as a “political assassination,” though investigators have not confirmed the shooter’s identity or motive. Beau Mason, head of the Utah Department of Public Safety, said evidence suggests the shot may have been fired from long range.

Trump, addressing the nation from the Oval Office, vowed to hunt down those responsible: “My administration will find every individual and organisation involved in this atrocity and in other acts of political violence.”

Video from the event shows Kirk engaging with an audience member about gun violence seconds before shots rang out, sending students fleeing in panic. He was rushed to hospital but later pronounced dead. Flags have been lowered to half-mast nationwide in his honour.

“This is a dark day for Utah and a tragic day for America,” Cox said at a press briefing, urging an end to escalating political violence.

Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organisation instrumental in galvanising support for Trump among younger voters. Known for his combative style on social media and university tours, he often tackled divisive topics such as race, gender, and immigration. The Utah event had been the launch of his “American Comeback Tour.”

His killing has been described by analysts as a dangerous flashpoint that could fuel deeper unrest in an already polarised nation. Researchers say the U.S. is witnessing its most intense wave of politically motivated violence since the 1970s, with nearly 150 incidents recorded in the first half of this year alone.

Former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden both condemned the attack, calling it “despicable” and warning that violence has no place in American politics. On Capitol Hill, however, attempts to hold a moment of silence quickly descended into partisan shouting, with Republicans blaming Democrats and Democrats calling for tighter gun laws.

Trump, who has himself survived assassination attempts, linked Kirk’s killing to a rise in political extremism, though his remarks notably excluded recent attacks on Democratic leaders. He called on Americans to reject rhetoric that dehumanises opponents, warning that unchecked hostility can only lead to more bloodshed.

Experts caution that Kirk’s death could mark a turning point. “We are in a very dangerous place,” said Mike Jensen, a University of Maryland researcher. “Unless political leaders take real steps to calm tensions, this tragedy could serve as a catalyst for even greater unrest.”

ALSO READ : President ED Showcases Manicaland’s Hidden Gems