The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library delayed a signature event featuring conservative commentator Ben Shapiro on Wednesday following the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, another prominent right-leaning media figure, earlier that day.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation expressed condolences regarding the incident that took place at Utah Valley University, extending prayers for Kirk’s family and friends. They announced the cancellation of the signing event as a sign of respect for Kirk.
A new date for Shapiro’s event will be shared “soon,” according to their statement.
Shapiro and Kirk shared connections within conservative media circles, making the news particularly impactful. In a post on social media platform X, Shapiro mourned Kirk, who passed away at the age of 31, sharing that he felt “heartbroken and pained.” He reminisced about meeting Kirk when he was just 18, recognizing right away that Kirk was a passionate individual. Shapiro recalled thinking, “That kid will one day become the head of the RNC.”
He acknowledged that Kirk achieved even more than that, noting, “It was a privilege to see this principled man stand up for his beliefs and create a significant conservative organization in America. But more than that, he was a good man who believed in right and wrong, rooted in biblical values.”
Shapiro continued, emphasizing the loss everyone would feel and expressing sympathy for Kirk’s young family. He urged that they should all carry on Kirk’s mission.
Kirk was shot in the neck during his speech at Utah Valley University and succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Later that evening, the FBI stated that individuals relevant to the case were in custody.
President Trump also acknowledged Kirk’s death on social media, directing that flags be lowered to half-staff by Sunday.
