Charlie Kirk, the founder of conservative youth group Turning Point USA and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was fatally shot Wednesday during a live event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
The incident occurred shortly after noon local time on September 10, 2025, at the university campus where Kirk was hosting part of his organization’s “The American Comeback Tour.” Video footage from the event shows Kirk speaking under a white tent marked with slogans including “Prove Me Wrong” and “The American Comeback” when a single gunshot was heard. Kirk was struck in the neck and fell as blood poured from the injury. Panic erupted among the crowd as attendees fled the scene, confirming the shooting’s traumatic nature.
Kirk, age 31, was quickly taken by his security team from the site and transported to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on social media, calling him “Great, and even Legendary,” noting that no one “understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.” Trump extended sympathies to Kirk’s wife Erika and family.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the shooting as a “political assassination,” emphasizing the alarming nature of politically motivated violence in today’s climate. Authorities responded swiftly; a person of interest was taken into custody and questioned, though law enforcement has clarified that no confirmed suspect has yet been arrested. Utah Valley University police conducted thorough building-to-building searches following the shooting to ensure safety and assist the investigation.
The event where the shooting occurred was notable for Kirk’s willingness to engage with students of varying views in a debate format called “Prove Me Wrong,” designed to challenge his political and cultural stances in an open forum. This approach underscored Kirk’s central role as a conservative youth leader fostering discourse. However, the tragedy has starkly highlighted the potential dangers faced by public figures actively involved in politically charged dialogues.
Reactions poured in from political leaders across the spectrum, condemning the act of violence. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin lamented the shooting as “yet another horrific act of targeted political violence,” emphasizing that disagreement in beliefs should never escalate to violence. This incident has reignited national discussions about safety and the escalation of hostility in political arenas.
The investigation is ongoing, with federal authorities closely monitoring the case. Utah law enforcement and university officials have pledged full support to determine the motives and circumstances behind the shooting. Meanwhile, Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, released a statement confirming his death and mourning the loss of their founder.
Charlie Kirk emerged as one of the most prominent voices in conservative youth activism over the last decade, closely aligned with the policies and vision of Donald Trump. His unexpected death at a university event not only shocks his followers but also raises urgent questions about the security of political events and the growing dangers of politically motivated violence in the United States.
This tragic event marks a somber moment but also underscores the polarizing nature of current political discourse. Authorities continue to seek answers while paying tribute to Kirk’s impact on conservative youth engagement and his legacy in American politics.