Charlie Kirk, a conservative media figure and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, prompting tributes from families of Gaza hostages who praised his vocal support for Israel and for those held by Hamas.
The Hostages and Missing Family Forum, which represents dozens of relatives of people still held in Gaza, issued a statement saying, "With deep sorrow, we mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk," and praised his "unwavering solidarity." The forum said his voice would be remembered for standing with Israel and supporting the hostages and their families. Authorities said the shooting has triggered a manhunt as the suspect remained at large.
Kirk, 31, a husband and father of two, had drawn attention for his public advocacy on behalf of Israelis and for hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. The forum noted his support as particularly meaningful to families whose loved ones remain captive; independent assessments and reporting indicate dozens of hostages remain in Gaza more than 700 days after the initial attacks.
Former hostages also reacted to Kirk's death. Omer Shem Tov, who was released after more than 500 days in captivity, called Kirk "one of the strongest and bravest voices for Israel" and said he had been murdered "just for speaking his truth." Noa Argamani, another former captive, posted a message on social media saying, "May his memory be a blessing."
Hours before the shooting, President Donald Trump met at the White House with former hostages and with family members of Americans and others still held in Gaza. The meeting took place amid heightened tensions after Israel carried out strikes targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, in an operation that drew wide international concern and could complicate mediation efforts.
Israeli strikes in Doha killed six people, including a Qatari security official, according to reports; Hamas said its leadership had survived. The operation prompted an emergency Arab-Islamic summit called by Qatar. A senior Israeli source, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations, questioned how hostage talks could proceed if leaders convening to discuss a deal were targeted, saying such actions risked undermining the possibility of near-term exchanges.
Trump condemned the strikes, saying he was "very unhappy" and that U.S. military officials had been informed too late to stop the attack. He told reporters the decision was made by Israel's prime minister and not by him. Qatar's International Media Office rejected suggestions the incident harmed ties between Doha and Washington, saying the partnership remained strong and that the countries would continue cooperating to promote "global peace and stability."
Negotiations for hostage releases have repeatedly stalled since an initial phase of an agreement ended in March, with only limited exchanges since then; one American, Edan Alexander, was freed in May. Families and former captives have repeatedly expressed frustration and concern for those still believed to be alive in Gaza.
Kirk's supporters say he used his platform to press for the hostages' return and to rally public attention to their plight. Memorials and tributes appeared in multiple locations following his death, including a wreath laid outside the U.S. Embassy in South Africa.
Local and federal authorities in Utah have said they are investigating the shooting and searching for the suspect. As officials continue their inquiry, the killing has added urgency to a fraught diplomatic and humanitarian situation in which family members and former hostages have urged renewed efforts to secure additional releases from Gaza.