Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, has been fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah. He was 31.
Kirk was delivering remarks at an outdoor event tied to his “American Comeback Tour,” which was scheduled to include stops at multiple college campuses across the country. The UVU stop was its first leg.
Before the shooting, he was taking questions from the audience. The moment that preceded the gunfire involved a discussion related to mass shootings and gun violence. Video and eyewitness reports show Kirk seated at what is referred to as the “Prove Me Wrong” table — a format he has used before where members of the audience challenge his viewpoints directly.
The Incident
Around 12:20 p.m. local time, a single shot was fired. Witnesses say it sounded like a firecracker out of nowhere. Kirk was speaking into a handheld microphone under a white tent when he was hit. The blow struck the left side of his neck. Blood was seen streaming immediately, and Kirk went limp. Attendees reacted in panic, with many fleeing the area.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later declared dead.
Security, Responses, and Aftermath
Security Measures: The event had UVU campus police presence (six officers, some in plain clothes), and Kirk was travelling with his own security.
Scene: The location—Sorensen Center courtyard—was evacuated immediately, and surrounding areas of campus were shut down.
Officials’ Reactions: Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the killing a “political assassination.” President Donald Trump, in a social media statement, described Kirk as “legendary” and ordered flags at half-staff until Sunday in his honor.
What’s Known & What’s Being Investigated
Shooter Status: Authorities have released a “person of interest” who was interviewed, but later clarified this individual is not believed to be the shooter. No confirmed suspect has been arrested yet.
Shooter’s Position & Description: Dispatchers said the gunshot likely came from a structure at a distance—possibly a rooftop location. The shooter was reportedly dressed in dark clothing. Surveillance video is being reviewed.
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