Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a university speaking event in Utah on Wednesday (10 Sep). He was 31.
The shooting occurred shortly after noon during an event hosted at Utah Valley University (UVU), where Kirk was speaking under a tent as part of his national “American Comeback Tour.”
Video footage widely circulated on social media shows Kirk being struck in the neck by a bullet and collapsing mid-sentence.
Charlie Kirk was shot dead during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wed (10 Sep). Video footage shows him struck in the neck and collapsing. Police confirm no suspect is in custody. pic.twitter.com/T1rQQ4f27j
— The Online Citizen (@theon9citizen) September 10, 2025
Attendees screamed and fled the scene as security rushed to Kirk’s side and evacuated him. The university confirmed a single shot was fired from a nearby building during the event, which took place outdoors on campus.
Although initial reports described Kirk as critically injured and taken to hospital, the nature of the gunshot wound, visible video evidence, and responses from public figures make clear that Kirk did not survive the attack. An official medical confirmation of death has not yet been released, but authorities have not disputed the reports of his death.
Donald Trump, who had a close relationship with Kirk, announced his death on Truth Social.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” he wrote. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me.”
Kirk’s death sparked immediate and widespread condemnation across political lines. House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement from the Capitol: “Political violence has become all too common in American society. This is not who we are. It violates the core principles of our country.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said he had been briefed by law enforcement and called for the shooter to be brought to justice. “Those responsible will be held fully accountable,” he said. “We must all, regardless of political affiliation, condemn this violence.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, as well as Governors Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro, denounced the attack. Republican leaders and allies of Kirk — including JD Vance, Kristi Noem, Pam Bondi, and Pete Hegseth — also issued statements of grief and called for prayers.
The suspect responsible for the shooting has not yet been identified or apprehended. Utah Valley University initially stated that someone had been taken into custody, but later corrected this after confirming the individual was not the shooter. As of now, no suspect is in custody, and the campus has been closed.
Orem Police and university officials are leading the investigation, with assistance from federal authorities. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the agency is “closely monitoring the situation.”
Shortly before the shooting, Kirk posted a message on social media expressing excitement about the event: “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.”
Kirk’s tour was intended to include 15 university stops, with the next scheduled at Colorado State University on 18 September. Turning Point USA, the conservative student organisation he founded, has not yet released an official statement.
Kirk rose to prominence in his early 20s as a prominent voice in American conservatism, particularly through youth engagement and media commentary. A close ally of Donald Trump, he played a visible role in campus politics and political media.
The university has suspended all classes and events, and counselling services have been made available to students and staff affected by the shooting.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation and to contact police with any information about the shooter or footage from the scene.
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