- Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University during a political event.
- The shooter fired from a nearby rooftop and remains unidentified.
- Kirk was a leading conservative youth influencer and Trump ally.
- A large-scale manhunt involving FBI and local authorities is ongoing.
- Officials across parties condemned the act as political violence.
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an event he was hosting at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. The 31-year-old conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA was delivering a speech and engaging in heated political debates when a single gunshot rang out from a nearby rooftop, striking him in the neck. Despite immediate medical attention, Kirk succumbed to his wounds, sending shockwaves through the political and student communities. The university quickly went into lockdown, and law enforcement launched a manhunt, but the suspect remains at large. Kirk’s death has sparked widespread condemnation, calling attention to the rising threat of political violence in the United States. This tragic event marks a dark moment for political discourse and campus safety nationwide.
What Happened at the Utah Valley University Event?
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically shot and killed on September 10, 2025, while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The incident occurred around midday during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour,” aimed at promoting his political views among college students. Video footage from the event shows Kirk responding to audience questions near a table with a “Prove Me Wrong” sign, engaging in debates on cultural and political topics such as mass shootings and transgender issues. Suddenly, a single gunshot rang out from a building approximately 200 yards away. Kirk was struck in the neck and collapsed, prompting panic among the 3,000 attendees. He was quickly transported to a hospital but later died from the injury. No other individuals were physically harmed in the attack.
Where Did the Shooting Happen at the Campus?
The fatal shot was fired at Utah Valley University’s outdoor courtyard, known as the quad, located about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. Investigations and eyewitness reports reveal that the shooter positioned himself on the roof of the Losee Center building, roughly 200 yards from Kirk’s speaking location. Authorities believe the attacker was dressed in dark clothing and opened fire from this elevated vantage point, which made locating the suspect especially challenging. Extensive manhunts and campus-wide evacuations followed as law enforcement searched building to building to ensure the safety of students and faculty. The event area, near the food court, was quickly secured, leading to class cancellations and lockdown protocols.
Who Was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk, aged 31 at the time of his death, was a nationally known conservative figure and a close ally of former President Donald Trump. He co-founded Turning Point USA at just 18 years old, growing it into the largest conservative youth organization in the United States, focused on influencing college campuses with conservative values. Kirk gained prominence for his assertive debates styled as “change-my-mind” sessions, where he would engage directly with students on political and cultural hot-button issues. He played a significant role in mobilizing youth voters during Trump’s campaigns, particularly noted for his outspoken criticism of mainstream media and his involvement in culture wars over topics like gun rights, immigration, and gender identity. Trump described Kirk as “The Great, and even Legendary,” praising his connection with American youth and expressing deep sympathy for Kirk’s family upon his death.
What Do We Know About the Shooter and the Investigation?
As of the latest updates, the suspect remains at large. Authorities have not identified or apprehended the shooter responsible for targeting Kirk. Two individuals were initially detained for questioning but were released after investigations found no ties to the crime. Utah Governor Spencer Cox labeled the shooting a “political assassination,” emphasizing the gravity of the act. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are conducting an active manhunt, scrutinizing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to track down the suspect. The individual is described as wearing dark clothing, and only one fatal shot was fired. Police continue door-to-door searches in the campus vicinity, while the university remains closed for security reasons.
What’s the Latest on the Ground at Utah Valley University?
Following the shooting, immediate evacuation and lockdown procedures were enforced to protect attendees and students. Hundreds fled the scene in panic after hearing the gunshot, with some eyewitnesses describing scenes of chaos and fear. The university canceled classes for the day and ordered students to shelter in place until law enforcement declared it safe to exit. Kirk’s security team and campus police responded swiftly, transporting him to the hospital. The community remains shaken by the event, but no additional harm to others has been reported. Authorities continue to provide updates as the investigation unfolds, appealing to the public for any videos or information that may aid in identifying the shooter.
How has Trump responded, and other officials?
The shooting of Charlie Kirk has elicited widespread condemnation across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump expressed his sorrow via a Truth Social post, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff and recalling Kirk’s unique ability to connect with young Americans. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the act an assassination and conveyed heartfelt support for Kirk’s wife and children, who were present at the scene but unharmed. Leaders from both major parties denounced the violence and called for unity against political hatred. On social media and in Congress, many expressed shock and grief over the loss of a young activist who played a pivotal role in conservative youth politics. The incident has also sparked conversations about the rising threat of political violence in the United States.
President Trump shares a message on the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
“I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived & died. The values of free speech, citizenship, the rule of law & the patriotic devotion & love of God.” pic.twitter.com/3fBSgs4Zxa
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 11, 2025
Comments on Charlie Kirk’s Passing
President Donald Trump, in a heartfelt statement, said, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated, “This is a dark day for our nation. I want to be clear that this is a political assassination. We are working closely with law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice.”
“There is no place” for this violence, former US President Joe Biden said on X.
There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 10, 2025
Former Vice President Kamala Harris in a post on X, wrote: “I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.”
I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family.
Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 10, 2025
Vice President JD Vance reacted:
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. pic.twitter.com/lYLEjv40bN
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 10, 2025
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