Ben Shapiro dismisses rumors that he's canceling college tour after Charlie Kirk assassination

Political commentator Ben Shapiro has said that rumors that he was going to be cancelling college campus tours around the country after Charlie Kirk was assassinated on Wednesday are false, and that he has two words for those that seek to intimidate or violently end discussion and free debate: "F*ck you."

During a segment of his show dedicated to Kirk, Shapiro stated, "I saw a lot of rumors online today. I was made aware of this by my team, that I canceled some sort of college tour. That's bullsh*t. I saw those rumors. They are false. I will be coming to college campuses, many of them this year. So will we all, I am sure, because we're Americans and we're not going to be deterred."

"Charlie's voice is not silent. We're going to pick up that blood-stained microphone where Charlie left it, and to those who would intimidate, who would seek to stop us, who would seek to end free discussion, who believe that they have ownership over public spaces and can violently threaten and kill people who speak freely. We are not going to stop, and I have two words, f*ck you."

"We will not stop telling the truth. We will never stop telling the truth. We will never stop debating and discussing. We will never stop standing up for what America is and for what you should be, and we will never let Charlie Kirk's voice die," Shapiro added. Goodbye to my friend, Charlie Kirk, may your memory be a blessing for your family and for your country and for all of us."

Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Wednesday, taking a bullet to the neck. He was transported to a local hospital, where he passed away. The FBI has said that they have a person of interest for the assassination and released photos of the individual on social media.

The law enforcement agency is also offering a $100,000 reward for anyone who can bring forward information that will lead to the arrest of the person of interest. Those with information are urged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips to an online form.