A Trump ally was shot and killed, sending US gun stocks soaring.

Charlie Kirk, head of a US conservative political organization, died after being shot at the age of 31.

On September 10th, US Eastern Time, Utah State House Speaker Mike Schultz confirmed the death of Charlie Kirk, head of a US conservative political organization, who was shot that day. US police said earlier that day that Charlie Kirk was shot at an event in Utah.

Kirk, a key Trump ally and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, drew strong bipartisan condemnation for his killing. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the attack "sickening and reprehensible."

Trump posted on social media:

The great, even legendary, Charlie Kirk has passed away. No one understood or held the heart of America's youth better than Kirk.

Gun stocks generally rallied within hours of the shooting.

By the close of US trading, Smith & Wesson shares were up 6.7%, American Outdoor rose nearly 5.3%, and Sturm Ruger rose 3.01%.

Analysts believe that political violence often triggers panic buying, and investors anticipate that conservative concerns about increased gun control will spur weapons sales. US police have yet to apprehend the suspect, and schools have been closed, with classes canceled until further notice.

Market Reaction: Gun Stocks Soar

Following news of Charlie Kirk's shooting, the US gun sector immediately strengthened.

In midday trading, Smith & Wesson and American Outdoor surged over 5% following the shooting. After Charlie Kirk's death was confirmed, Smith & Wesson continued to rise over 5% in after-hours trading.

(Smith & Wesson continued to rise over 5% after hours)

Kirk has long been a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment and has frequently spoken out against stricter gun control policies. Analysts suggest that the murder of the conservative leader could heighten concerns among right-wing groups about tightening government gun policies, thereby boosting demand for weapons and ammunition.

Historical data shows that after large-scale or high-profile shootings, calls for stricter gun control often rise. This, in turn, encourages consumers to make advance purchases out of fear of future restrictions on gun purchases, driving up gun sales and manufacturer stock prices.

Witnesses describe details of the shooting

The shooting reportedly occurred approximately 20 minutes into Kirk's speech.

According to witnesses, an audience member asked Kirk if he knew how many transgender people had been involved in mass shootings in the past decade, to which Kirk replied, "Too many."

When an audience member later asked how many mass shootings had occurred in the United States in the past decade, Kirk responded, "Does that count as gang violence?" Seconds later, Kirk collapsed in his chair after being shot in the neck.

According to Utah Valley University spokesperson Ellen Treanor, the gunman opened fire on Kirk from the Losee Center, approximately 200 yards away, striking him in the neck. Video footage from the scene showed Kirk's head tilted back and bleeding profusely from his neck.

The approximately 1,000 attendees were safely evacuated, and FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the FBI is closely monitoring the case.

Kirk's Political Influence and Controversy

Charlie Kirk has become one of the most influential young right-wing figures in the United States in recent years, forging a close political alliance with Trump.

In 2012, he co-founded Turning Point USA, an organization dedicated to promoting conservative political ideas on high school and college campuses. He frequently hosts "Prove Me Wrong" debate tables, where he engages audiences in public debates on political issues.

Despite not being a member of the administration, Kirk reportedly holds significant influence within the White House.

In 2024, he delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Since last November's election, he has helped vet potential appointees and test their loyalty to Trump.