A manhunt is underway in the United States for the assassin who shot and killed conservative thinker Charlie Kirk last night. Authorities say the fatal attack took place on a college campus in Utah, where Kirk had been speaking to students. Video footage seen by The Common Sense appears to show a lone figure fleeing from a rooftop moments after the shooting. Law enforcement sources say that Kirk may have been shot from a rooftop.

The killing has shocked America and triggered tributes from across the political spectrum. Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a prominent advocate of political and economic freedom who built his profile by engaging young people in open debate. His organisation became a platform for introducing students to conservative ideas on democracy, markets, and citizenship.

Earlier, President Donald Trump addressed the nation in a sombre video message. "I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah," he said. Calling Kirk "a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate," Trump urged Americans to honour his memory by recommitting to free speech, citizenship, the rule of law, and faith.

Trump warned that violent rhetoric and years of demonisation had created a climate where murder became possible. "This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we are seeing in our country today, and it must stop right now," he declared. The president pledged to pursue those responsible, including organisations that enable political violence.

Condolences have poured in for Kirk’s wife Erica, their two young children, and his wider family. For supporters, the assassination marks not only the loss of a leading conservative voice but also a direct assault on the culture of free expression that Kirk championed.