Michael Mallinson registered Utah Democrat identified as UVU gunman who shot Charlie Kirk while speaking at Utah Valley University

Michael Mallinson, a registered Democrat in Utah, was arrested shortly after the suspect fired a single bullet when conservative pundit Charlie Kirk was addressing students at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon.

Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot around 12:10 p.m. on the quad near the food court. Ironically, the conservative activist was speaking about shootings and gang violence at the time.

According to school officials, rounds were fired from the top of a campus building about 200 yards away from where Kirk was speaking from under a tent, wounding the conservative commentator in the neck.

Read the alleged gunman’s Facebook page, ‘If the truth be told, I’m a grumpy, anti-social, old, privilege, white guy. AxSpA patient. Patient advocate. Volunteer. Opinionated about everything.’

Utah Senator Mike Lee posted on X, formerly Twitter, “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”

Gov. Cox said he is being briefed by law enforcement.

“Those responsible will be held fully accountable,” he said. “Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”

The campus is closed for the rest of the day.

Five area schools were placed on lockdown.