Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative firebrand and head of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The incident, which unfolded in front of hundreds of students and staff, has shaken the United States and reignited debate about political violence in the country.Videos from the scene showed Kirk addressing the audience under a white tent with the slogan “The American Comeback” when a single gunshot rang out. He slumped backwards as blood poured from his neck, sending the crowd into chaos. The university immediately went into lockdown as police searched the campus. President Donald Trump later confirmed Kirk’s death, calling him “a very, very good friend” and praising his role in mobilising young conservatives.
Here are 10 key points on what happened:
1. The shooting at Utah Valley University
Kirk was speaking at an outdoor event on campus when the attack happened. Witnesses described hearing a single gunshot before seeing Kirk collapse. Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was present, said the activist had just been asked a question about mass shootings when the bullet struck. “As soon as that shot went out, he fell back,” Chaffetz recalled. Videos captured students screaming, ducking for cover, and then rushing from the courtyard. Officials confirmed Kirk was the only person injured in the incident, which occurred around midday. Utah Valley University, the state’s largest public university with nearly 47,000 students, immediately issued a “secure in place” order and closed its campus.
2. Suspect remains at large
Despite initial reports of a person being taken into custody, officials later confirmed the suspect remains at large. Orem mayor David Young told reporters that authorities were still actively searching for the shooter. A person briefly detained on campus was released after investigators determined they were not involved. Police have not released any details about a possible motive or whether the attacker was a student. The FBI is monitoring the case closely, with Director Kash Patel calling it a “tragic shooting.” The uncertainty has fuelled anxiety in the area, with students escorted off campus by police.
3. Trump confirms Kirk’s death
President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death on Truth Social, describing him as “the Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.” Trump added: “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.” Speaking later to the New York Post, Trump called him “a very, very good friend of mine and a tremendous person.” Melania Trump also joined in sending condolences to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two young children.
4. Eyewitness accounts describe horror
Witnesses offered graphic details of the shooting. Chaffetz, visibly shaken, told Fox News that the crowd “hit the deck” immediately after the shot. Sophie Anderson, a bystander, said: “He was shot in the neck and just fell over… he was just a fountain of blood.” Students described panic as people rushed to escape the courtyard, fearing further gunfire. Video footage shared online captured the confusion, with Kirk slumped in his chair while audience members screamed.
5. Political figures condemn violence
The attack drew swift condemnation across the political spectrum. Vice President JD Vance posted, “Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour.” Florida governor Ron DeSantis said: “The way to resolve political disputes is not through violence. The way to do that is to ask questions, debate.” Democrats also condemned the attack. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called it “reprehensible” and said “political violence has absolutely no place in our nation.” California governor Gavin Newsom described it as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” while former vice president Kamala Harris urged Americans to reject violence in all forms.
6. Reactions from victims of political violence
Prominent figures who themselves survived political attacks also weighed in. Former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in 2011, said: “I’m horrified to hear that Charlie Kirk was shot at an event in Utah. Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence.” Nancy Pelosi’s husband Paul was severely injured in 2022 by a hammer attack at their home. Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer, once the target of a kidnapping plot, said: “We should all come together to stand up against any and all forms of political violence.”
7. Growing debate over campus free speech
Kirk’s presence at Utah Valley University had already sparked controversy. An online petition urging administrators to block his appearance gathered nearly 1,000 signatures. The university defended the event, citing First Amendment rights and its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.” Kirk was well known for holding provocative debates on campuses across the country, often facing fierce opposition from liberal students. The shooting is now expected to intensify debates about campus security and political polarisation in higher education.
8. Kirk’s political influence
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at just 18, building it into a powerhouse of conservative activism among young people. The group claims more than 250,000 members and played a major role in Donald Trump’s 2024 election campaign. Known for his combative style, Kirk was a regular presence on cable television, podcasts, and social media. His campus events often went viral, with clips of him confronting liberal hecklers. Trump once described him as someone who “had the Heart of the Youth” and credited him with mobilising younger conservatives.
9. Security concerns at the event
Chaffetz suggested Kirk’s security was inadequate. “It seemed like it was a close shot,” he said. “There was a light police presence at the event and Kirk had some security but not enough.” The former congressman added: “Utah is one of the safest places on the planet, and so we just don’t have these types of things.” The university said police were stationed at the venue but acknowledged that the scale of the attack had overwhelmed their preparations.
10. Legacy of Charlie Kirk
At just 31, Kirk had already left a lasting mark on American politics. He transformed Turning Point USA into one of the most influential conservative groups in the country, championing causes ranging from Christianity to anti-immigration policies. His podcast, radio show, and university events amplified his message, and he was a key ally of Donald Trump. Kirk’s supporters hailed him as a visionary, with right-wing commentator Tomi Lahren saying: “He’s actually opened the door for so many young conservatives to have a career and a voice.”
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