Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist, died on Wednesday after he was shot while speaking at a student event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
President Donald Trump announced the news on social media, paying tribute to Kirk, saying, “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.” He also offered his sympathies to Kirk’s family from him and Melania Trump.
The Turning Point USA founder was speaking to students in an open area of the campus and having a Q&A session when the tragic incident occurred. The Associated Press reports that a suspect is now in custody.
Kirk, who was 31, is survived by his wife, Erika, and two children.
The news networks went into breaking news mode around 2:50 p.m. ET upon receiving word that Kirk had been shot in the neck area.
Here’s how the various news networks covered news of the initial shooting (all times ET):
CBS News
The network delivered two special reports, both anchored by CBS Evening News co-anchor Maurice DuBois, with the first one airing at 3:02 p.m. and another airing at 4:43 p.m. Chief Washington analyst, Robert Costa, offered additional analysis as he has reported on Kirk over the years.
CNN
Boris Sanchez and Brianna Keilar broke the news during CNN News Central at 2:50 p.m. They were joined by Kristen Holmes, the network’s senior White House correspondent, and David Chalian, CNN’s bureau chief and political director.
Fox News
Sandra Smith and Bill Melugin broke into coverage at 2:49 p.m. Contributor Jason Chaffetz was at the Turning Point event when the shooting took place and called in from the scene.
MSNBC
The network broke the news at 2:57 p.m. with Katy Tur delivering the information. She was joined by Allan Smith, an NBCNews.com politics reporter, who offered additional reporting on the situation.
NewsNation
Nichole Berlie was on hand to break the news for the network at 2:57 p.m. The Hill’s Julia Manchester offered an initial analysis of the unfolding situation. Connell McShane continued with live coverage at 3 p.m. ET.