Charlie Kirk, Conservative Activist, Fatally Shot at Utah Event
The 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a speaking event. The gunman, who fired from a nearby rooftop, remains at large as authorities investigate and political leaders across party lines condemn the violence.
Written By EEW Magazine News Editors
Charlie Kirk speaks at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, shortly before he was fatally shot on Sept. 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)
OREM, Utah (Sept. 10, 2025) — Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot Wednesday during a public event at Utah Valley University, in an attack that rattled the political world and highlighted rising concerns about violence at public gatherings.
The shooting occurred at about 12:10 p.m. local time, just minutes after Kirk began his presentation as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” Known for his controversial “Prove Me Wrong” debates, the Christian political commentator was speaking to an outdoor crowd on campus when a single shot rang out.
“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” the attendee asked.
“Too many,” Kirk replied.
The audience member then said the number was five, and followed with another question: “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?”
“Counting or not counting gang violence?” Kirk responded.
Seconds later, a sharp pop is heard on video recordings from the event. Screams erupt as Kirk recoils in his seat, collapsing as the audience scatters in panic.
Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk speaks at a campaign rally in Las Vegas on Oct. 24, 2024. (AP Photo)
Authorities said the bullet was fired from a rooftop roughly 200 yards away. An older man was briefly detained but later cleared of involvement. As of Wednesday evening, the shooter remained at large. Police urged anyone with information or video evidence to come forward.
Kirk was transported from the scene in critical condition and later died from his injuries.
News of Kirk’s death prompted swift responses from national leaders. President Donald Trump, a close ally, confirmed his death on Truth Social, calling Kirk “great, and even legendary” and offering condolences to his wife, Erika, and their children.
“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,” said the president.
In a separate post, Trump called the deceased a “great American patriot,” and said he was ordering all U.S. flags lowered to half-staff until Sunday at 6 p.m.
Lawmakers across the political spectrum condemned the violence.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Vice President J.D. Vance issued statements of unity, while former Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who survived a 2011 assassination attempt, warned that America must never allow political disagreements to devolve into violence.
Former President Barack Obama posted on X that “this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
Photo Credit: André Chung/Politico Magazine
Turning Point USA said in a statement that the organization was “devastated by the loss of our founder and friend,” pledging to continue Kirk’s mission of conservative youth outreach. Utah Valley University canceled classes, evacuated campus, and reaffirmed its commitment to free speech while mourning the loss of a high-profile guest.
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18 and built it into one of the most visible conservative youth organizations in the country, claiming a presence on thousands of high school and college campuses. Admired by supporters and criticized by opponents for his confrontational style, he was a prominent figure in Republican politics and a frequent ally of Trump.
His killing comes amid a series of politically charged attacks in the United States.
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