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said in a video message from the Oval Office just hours after Kirk’s death.

“This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today.

“My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity, and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it.”

Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Video from the scene showed him addressing a large crowd when the sound of a single shot rang out.

The father-of-two appeared to collapse in his chair before the camera swiftly moved and sounds of panic erupted in the audience.

The Utah Department of Public Safety said the shooter, dressed in dark clothing, fired from a nearby rooftop in what authorities called a “targeted attack.”

Students at the university described the shooting as “crazy” and “scary”.

“It makes me feel like I should be very careful about expressing my political ideas,” said Samuel Kimball, a software engineering student, told AFP. “If I was someone considering going into politics, I’d be afraid to get shot.”

The shooter remained at large despite door-to-door searches by federal, state and local officers.

Orem city mayor David Young said multiple law enforcement agencies were investigating but confirmed that the suspect had not yet been apprehended. The FBI established a digital line for the public to share tips.