In what Utah’s governor called a political assassination, a sniper shot and killed influential conservative Charlie Kirk on Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, as he engaged students in a question and answer-style debate.

Kirk's former security team and colleges that hosted him described the measures they took to keep the popular activist's events safe.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk stunned first the audience at Utah Valley University, where he was shot while speaking Sept. 10, and then the country, as footage of his killing quickly spread. For many Americans, the conservative influencer’s death crystallized a growing fear: The United States is experiencing more and more political violence.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the Utah County community and across the nation. The Utah County commissioners called the shooting “devastating news” and a “chilling reminder of the dangers of political violence.

Charlie Kirk, conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder, was fatally shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University. Follow along for live updates and news.