Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot in Utah
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot Wednesday afternoon while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, prompting panic on campus and an immediate law enforcement response. Officials confirmed that Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was struck near the neck by a single bullet while answering student questions during a live Q&A session.
At approximately 4:47 PM EDT, Kirk's spokesperson confirmed that he had died.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” President Trump posted on Truth Social, adding, “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”
The Shooting
According to eyewitnesses, the gunfire erupted shortly after 1:20 p.m. local time. Kirk, who had been seated on stage, reportedly fell backward from his chair as students in the audience screamed and rushed to evacuate. Utah Valley University later confirmed that the shot was fired from the top of a nearby building roughly 200 yards away.
The university ordered a lockdown and initiated an evacuation of the surrounding area while officers searched for the shooter. By mid-afternoon, officials confirmed that a suspect had been detained. No additional shots were reported, and law enforcement emphasized that information about the incident remains preliminary as the investigation continues.
Fox News, citing a university spokesperson, reported that Kirk was taken to a local hospital for treatment after the shooting. His current condition has not been made public, though multiple lawmakers and public figures have posted messages of support, urging prayers for his recovery.
Public Reactions
The shooting quickly drew responses from across the political spectrum. U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah said he was monitoring the situation closely and asked for prayers for Kirk. Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma echoed the call, writing on social media, “Join Cindy and me in praying for Charlie Kirk, his family, and the students right now in Utah.”
Vice President JD Vance also posted about the shooting, describing Kirk as “a genuinely good guy and a young father” and urging Americans to pray for him.
Eyewitness Accounts
The sudden chaos was described by students and journalists who were present during the event. Local reporter Heidi Hatch shared that her son, who had been attending the Q&A, heard one loud gunshot moments after stepping away from the stage area.
“He said there was one loud gunshot and Kirk’s head flew back,” Hatch posted on social media. “Kids started screaming and running.”
Video footage from the venue reportedly captured the moment the crowd realized shots had been fired, though officials have not confirmed whether additional security footage exists of the incident.
Kirk’s appearance at Utah Valley University was part of his ongoing national campus tour with Turning Point USA, an organization he founded in 2012 that promotes conservative values among young audiences.
The event had been expected to draw a large crowd of students for a debate-style discussion. Instead, it turned into a scene of chaos as attendees scrambled for safety after the shooting.
Investigation Ongoing
The motive behind the attack has not been released. Authorities have not shared details about the suspect or whether Kirk was specifically targeted. Both federal and local law enforcement are assisting in the investigation.
For now, officials say the campus has been secured, though the area near the venue remains closed as investigators collect evidence.
As of Wednesday evening, Kirk remained hospitalized. Lawmakers and supporters continue to post messages of solidarity, while the investigation into how a shooter was able to fire from an elevated position near the campus venue is still unfolding.
Utah Valley University has urged students and staff to remain alert and follow official updates as more information becomes available.