Conservative activist and influential Trump ally Charlie Kirk has died after being shot at a campus event in Utah.

In a video message, US President Donald Trump said he is “filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination,” calling it a “dark moment for America.”

“Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror. Charlie is a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loves so much, the United States of America,” the US president said.

“He’s a model for truth and freedom, and there’s never been anyone who was so respected by youth.”

“Charlie was also a man of deep, deep faith. And we take comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace with God in heaven,” Trump said, adding that he asked God to watch over Kirk’s wife and children “in this terrible hour of heartache and pain”.

Two people who had been arrested were later released – they had “no current ties” to the shooting, officials say.

Killing of Trump ally lays bare America’s bloody and broken politics

42 minutes ago

Anthony ZurcherNorth America correspondentShareSave

Contains disturbing scenes.

1:13

Contains disturbing scenes.Students flee as Charlie Kirk is shot while speaking to a crowd of hundreds

Moments before the crack of a gunshot changed everything, thousands of students had gathered under clear blue skies at an idyllic Utah college to hear from a man considered a rock star in conservative campus politics.

As the 31-year-old Charlie Kirk sat under a tent, debating political opponents taking their turn at a microphone, many gathered on the lawns cheered – and some protested. Seconds later, they were all running in terror.

The activist was struck in the neck by a bullet, mortally wounded.