Ronald Reagan foundation postpones Ben Shapiro event in light of Charlie Kirk shooting
Shapiro and Kirk frequently ran in the same circles as conservative commentators and influencers. Shapiro was expected to sign his latest book at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute on Wednesday announced it was postponing a scheduled book signing with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in Utah.
Kirk was killed at a rally in Utah earlier Wednesday, where he was speaking as part of a Turning Point USA college tour. No suspect has been apprehended over the shooting, but a person of interest was questioned by police before being released.
Shapiro was expected to participate in a book signing at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, according to The Hill. A new date for the signing is expected to be announced in the near future.
“The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is saddened to hear of events that took place today at Utah Valley University," the foundation said in a statement. "Our prayers are with Charlie Kirk’s family and friends. As a mark of respect, we are cancelling our program and book signing with Ben Shapiro this evening."
Shapiro and Kirk frequently ran in the same circles as conservative commentators and influencers. Shapiro, who recently released his latest book "Lions and Scavengers," reflected on the friendship he shared with Kirk, including the pair's meeting when Kirk was just 18-years-old.
"Like all of you, I am utterly stunned and heartbroken and sick to my soul today," Shapiro posted on X. "It is unimaginable to write these words. I met Charlie Kirk when he was 18 years old, a young man so eager and determined that I immediately turned to a friend and said, 'That kid is going to be the head of the RNC one day.' Charlie became even bigger and more important than that.
"It was a privilege to watch this principled man stand up for his beliefs and create the single most important conservative political organization in America," he continued. "But more importantly, Charlie was a good man, a man who believed in right and wrong, who stood by his Biblical values."
Shapiro urged young conservatives to "pick up the baton" that Kirk left behind and continue to fight for the same principles and things that Kirk fought for.
Kirk has been touted as one of the most influential voices on the right in recent years, notably founding Turning Point USA chapters at universities across the country and hosting speakers' summits for young conservatives.
Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.