Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old CEO and co-founder of conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, died after being shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University on 10 Sep 2025.
The shooting occurred shortly after 12:00 PM local time in Orem, Utah (2:00 AM on 11 Sep 2025 in Singapore). Kirk was participating in his signature “Prove Me Wrong” outdoor debate when a single shot was fired from an estimated 100-200 yards away.
The Attack
Video footage captured the moment Kirk was struck in the neck while speaking to a large crowd beneath a white tent. Witness Raydon DeChene, who stood near the front, described seeing “blood pouring out everywhere and his eyes kind of rolled back”.
The shot came from behind the crowd, up a hill, according to witness accounts. Kirk had been debating a student about mass shootings and gun violence when the gunshot rang out.
Security personnel immediately evacuated Kirk from the scene. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries.
The Manhunt
As of time of writing, the shooter remains at large despite an ongoing investigation. Law enforcement initially detained two individuals for questioning but later released them.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that a person of interest who had been questioned was released from custody. Police conducted building-to-building searches on campus and canvassed the surrounding area.
Officers have been reviewing photographs on their phones and asking residents if they recognize a person of interest.
Kirk’s Background
Kirk founded Turning Point USA, which operates across more than 3,500 college campuses nationwide. The organization has raised tens of millions of dollars for conservative campaigns.
He hosted a popular podcast and gained recognition for his campus debate series.
Kirk played a significant role in Donald Trump’s efforts to mobilize younger voters during the 2024 campaign.
The Utah Valley University event marked the first stop of Kirk’s fall “American Comeback Tour”. He had scheduled upcoming appearances at several universities including Penn State, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and Virginia Tech.
Political Reactions
President Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a Truth Social post, writing: “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”.
Trump described Kirk as “a martyr for truth and freedom” and blamed rhetoric from the “radical left” for contributing to his death. He ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the fatal shooting a “political assassination”. Vice President JD Vance described Kirk as “a genuinely good guy and a young father”.
Former President Barack Obama stated: “This type of political violence has no place in our democracy”. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his “heartbreak and outrage” over the attack.
House Speaker Mike Johnson called for a moment of silence to honor Kirk, which sparked heated debate over whether the tribute was appropriately timed.
Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika and two young children.
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