Charlie Kirk was slated to come to the University of Minnesota in 12 days

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was shot and killed on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University. He was scheduled to bring his "American Comeback" tour to the University of Minnesota on September 22, where Turning Point USA had organized a high-energy event. Kirk's recent comments targeted Muslim political candidates, including Minneapolis mayoral hopeful Omar Fateh, whom he accused of being part of an alleged "Muslim plot" against the government. Fateh, who has Somali roots, condemned the violence and called for an end to gun violence in Minneapolis, a city still healing from recent trauma. Kirk previously spoke at the university in 2017 without protests, contrasting sharply with his controversial rhetoric.

His statements included claims that mass migration from Muslim-majority countries threatens American values. Kirk's targeting of Fateh and other Muslim candidates has drawn significant backlash from various political commentators. The incident raises concerns about the escalating political violence and its impact on local elections.