On September 10th, while speaking onstage at Utah Valley University, American conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed. Only one state over, at Evergreen High School in Colorado, a 16 year old male shot two classmates and ended his own life. The gun violence epidemic has claimed more victims, regardless of their age, race, or ideology. The message is simple: no one is safe. 

Charlie Kirk was the co-founder of the organization Turning Point U.S.A. and was known for his widespread support of President Donald Trump. He frequently visited college campuses to debate students on political issues and current hot topics such as abortion, gun rights, and immigration. He often supported strict conservative political and social viewpoints including the protection of the second amendment, “The right to bear arms.”

While speaking at his “Prove Me Wrong” debate on stage at Utah Valley University a shot rang out, hitting Kirk in the neck. The time was reported to be just after 12 p.m. Kirk was rushed away from the event by his security to the hospital immediately. He died from a single shot wound.

The shooter was identified almost two days later as Tyler Robinson, a 22 year old who was turned in by his family according to Utah Governor Spencer Cox.  He is expected to be charged with the following: felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, and aggravated murder. As of now, officials are reporting that they believe Robinson was working alone. Additionally, in a wooded area outside of Utah Valley University, police found a rifle wrapped in towels. On casings found with the rifle there were inscriptions. One of them read “Hey fascist! Catch!”

In the wake of his death, president Donald Trump took to social media to offer his support towards a man he calls, “a martyr for freedom,” which confirmed Kirk’s death. President Trump also blamed the rhetoric from the “radical left” while many other politicians have taken online to share their condolences and opinions including former President Barack Obama who stated, “this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.” 

While the United States was shaken from the fatal shooting in Utah, another shooting at another school was taking place. The two events happened almost simultaneously. 

At 12:24 p.m. a 16 year old male fired a revolver at Evergreen High School in Colorado. Within two minutes police arrived on sight. Following the apprehension of the shooter, hundreds of high school students relocated to Bergen Elementary School. Parents waited in a long line there to reunite with their children. 

The shooter and two victims were taken to the hospital immediately following police intervention. The shooter has been officially pronounced dead from a self inflicted wound. One of the students is set to make a full recovery. The second student remains in critical condition. At this time it is unclear whether the two students were specifically targeted or the motivations behind the attack. Police are still investigating. A fourth student has been reported as also arriving at the hospital with injuries linked to the shooting. 

While the details of the attacks continue to be revealed the broader context remains and the gun violence epidemic continues. The irony of Kirk’s death, a man who was very public about his belief in protecting the second amendment, being a victim of the epidemic is a reminder that gun violence doesn’t ignore any ideology. The reality is anyone can be a victim. Anyone could be next. Gun violence spares none.