Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, President Donald Trump announced. NewsweekPBS
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. “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.” Who Was Charlie Kirk? What to Know About Turning Point USA Co-Founder – Newsweek
The Shooting
The shooting occurred at approximately 12:10-12:20 p.m. during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” event on the university campus. NBC NewsDeseret News Videos posted to social media show Kirk speaking under a white tent when a single gunshot rang out, with Kirk appearing to be struck in the neck area. Live updates: Trump says Charlie Kirk is dead after being shot at Utah university event
Witness Justin Hickens, who was about 20 yards away, described the moment: “We heard a big loud shot, I saw a bunch of blood come out of Charlie, I saw his body kind of kick back and go limp, and everybody dropped to the ground.” Live updates: Trump says Charlie Kirk is dead after being shot at Utah university event
The shooting occurred as Kirk was taking questions from the audience about mass shootings and gun violence. Just before the gunshot, an audience member had asked about transgender Americans involved in mass shootings, to which Kirk responded, “Too many.” Conservative activist Charlie Kirk dies after being shot at Utah college event – OPB
Investigation Ongoing
Initially, university officials said a suspect was in custody, but later updated that no suspect has been detained and the shooter remains at large. FOX 13Deseret News FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the agency is “closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting” and agents are supporting the investigation. Who Was Charlie Kirk? What to Know About Turning Point USA Co-Founder – Newsweek
The campus was placed on lockdown with classes canceled, and students were escorted off campus by police officers. Charlie Kirk has died after shooting at Utah event, suspect not in custody – Deseret News
Political Response
The shooting drew swift condemnation from across the political spectrum. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the attack “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” while emphasizing that “we must reject political violence in EVERY form.” Gov. Newsom decries ‘disgusting, vile’ shooting of Charlie Kirk during Utah university event
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she was “deeply disturbed” by the shooting, stating “Political violence has no place in America.” Charlie Kirk Shot in Utah: Live Updates – Newsweek Senator Bernie Sanders also denounced the attack as “horrifying” and urged Americans to reject political violence. Charlie Kirk Shot in Utah: Live Updates – Newsweek
About Charlie Kirk
Kirk was a prominent conservative activist and media personality who co-founded Turning Point USA, one of the largest conservative organizations targeting high school and college students. Who Was Charlie Kirk? What to Know About Turning Point USA Co-Founder – Newsweek He was married with two children.
