Over the past decade, the topic of mass shootings and the identity of perpetrators has often sparked controversy. At a recent public event, political commentator Charlie Kirk was asked how many transgender Americans had committed mass shootings in the past ten years.

Kirk responded with “Too many,” though no official data supports the notion that transgender individuals are disproportionately represented among mass shooters. The audience member followed up, stating the number is five, and asked Kirk if he knew the total number of mass shootings over the same period.

Kirk then responded by asking, “Counting or not counting gang violence?”—a distinction often made in political discussions about gun violence statistics. Before the conversation could continue, a loud popping sound interrupted the event. Chaos ensued as the crowd screamed, and Kirk was visibly struck and recoiled in his seat, indicating he had been shot.