Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot at Utah Valley University—Nationwide Condemnation Follows

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk was hosting a “Prove Me Wrong” debate as part of his "American Comeback Tour" when gunfire erupted, striking him in the neck. Footage from the event captured his fall amid chaos as attendees scattered in fear. The shot is believed to have come from a campus building approximately 200 yards away. A person of interest is currently in custody, though officials have not confirmed additional suspects.

Eyewitnesses painted a harrowing scene: “blood, immediately a lot of blood” was seen, and attendees fled the area in panic. Journalists at the scene described the shot as being fired just after Kirk had engaged in a heated debate over mass shootings, with the bullet appearing to originate from the right side of the audience.

The incident drew swift and widespread condemnation from both sides of the political aisle. President Donald Trump described Kirk as “legendary” and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor, while Vice President J.D. Vance and Speaker Mike Johnson called for prayers. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries denounced political violence as unacceptable. The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, along with the ATF, are actively investigating the shooting and are providing support to local authorities.

Governor Spencer Cox described the killing as a "political assassination" and confirmed that a suspect is in custody. He emphasized that, at present, there is no indication of multiple assailants.

Kirk—who rose to prominence by mobilizing young conservatives through Turning Point USA—leaves behind a wife, Erika Frantzve, and two young children. His death adds to a distressing pattern of politically motivated violence in the United States, raising alarm about growing threats to public figures and democratic discourse.