Turning Point USA founder and conservative movement leader killed during campus speaking event in Orem, Utah
Tragic Confirmation of Death
Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk died Wednesday after being shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, according to President Donald Trump. Kirk, 31, was pronounced dead following the attack that occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. local time during the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour.”
President Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a statement on Truth Social, 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. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz earlier confirmed Kirk’s death after receiving notification from Utah law enforcement officials.
The Fatal Attack
Circumstances of the Shooting
Deseret News reporters on the scene witnessed Kirk being shot during a Q&A session with students. About two minutes into the interview, a gunshot rang out and Kirk appeared to be hit in the neck. Video footage from the incident shows Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent when a single shot was fired.
Videos posted to social media show Kirk reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushed from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators were heard gasping and screaming before people began running away.
The shooting occurred while Kirk was conducting his signature “Prove Me Wrong” debate format, where he engaged with students who challenged his conservative viewpoints. Seconds before the shooting, Kirk had been answering a question about transgender Americans who had been mass shooters over the past decade.
Location and Response
A spokesperson for Utah Valley University confirmed that the suspect shot Kirk from the university’s Losee Center, approximately 200 yards away from where he was speaking. Kirk was immediately removed from the premises by his security team following the shooting.
At least 60 first responder vehicles blocked the campus entrance Wednesday afternoon, with police responding from Utah Highway Patrol, Orem, Provo, Springville, Lehi, Lindon, Spanish Fork, Utah County Sheriff and Payson departments.
Investigation Status
Suspect Remains at Large
University spokesperson Scott Trotter released a statement confirming: “On September 10, 2025, at 12:20 a single shot rang out in the quad near the food court on the Utah Valley University Orem Campus as Mr. Charlie Kirk began speaking at his planned rally. We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition. The suspect is not in custody. Police are still investigating. Campus is closed for the rest of the day.”
Despite initial reports suggesting a suspect was in custody, law enforcement sources confirmed to CNN that no suspect has been apprehended. UVU spokesperson Ellen Treanor later clarified that there is no suspect in custody.
Witness Accounts
Witness Justin Hickens, who was approximately 20 yards from the shooting, described seeing “officers walking with this very elderly gentleman with white hair. They had him arrested, they had him on his knees and he was screaming about his rights and all that stuff. They cuffed him and put him away.” However, this individual’s connection to the shooting remains unclear given official statements about no suspect being in custody.
Security Concerns
Despite the large crowd Kirk drew to Utah Valley University, witness Tyler McGettigan reported being surprised that he didn’t have to pass through any security screening. “No one checked the barcode or the QR code. There was no checkpoint to get in. It was literally, anyone could walk in if they wanted,” McGettigan told NBC News.
Charlie Kirk: A Conservative Movement Leader
Professional Legacy
Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA, one of the largest conservative organizations for high school and college students. He was also a popular podcast and cable news host. Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012, transforming it into one of the most influential conservative youth organizations in the country, claiming activity on more than 3,500 college campuses.
Turning Point USA became a fundraising and organizational powerhouse for Trump’s campaigns, with the president praising Kirk’s work: “Charlie Kirk is helping. He’s got his army of young people. These are young patriots.”
Personal Life
Kirk was married to Erika Kirk and had two children. He had recently spoken to the Deseret News about his work and was conducting the first stop of what was planned to be a 15-location campus tour.
Media Presence
Kirk gained prominence through his combative debates with college students, recorded for his YouTube channel where he challenged participants to “Prove Me Wrong.” He was also a prolific podcaster, with “The Charlie Kirk Show” recording over 750 episodes and ranking in the top 10 of Apple podcasts.
Political and Public Response
Presidential Statement
President Trump, who had developed a close relationship with Kirk in recent years, expressed deep grief over the loss. Kirk had been a regular presence at Mar-a-Lago during Trump’s transition to his second presidential term.
Bipartisan Condemnation
The assassination drew immediate condemnation from across the political spectrum:
Senator Bernie Sanders publicly denounced the attack, stating: “Political violence has no place in this country. We must condemn this horrifying attack. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family.”
Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt in 2011, said she was “horrified” by the shooting. “Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence.”
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called the shooting “detestable” and called for prayers. “Political violence has become all too common in American society. This is not who we are. It violates the core principles of our country.”
Celebrity and Public Figure Responses
Actor Chris Pratt joined the outpouring of support, posting: “Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God help us.”
Conservative commentator Glenn Beck revealed that his daughter was present at the event and witnessed the shooting, being “about 10 feet away and saw everything.”
Context and Controversy
Campus Opposition
Prior to Kirk’s arrival, his planned appearances had generated significant controversy. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing at Utah Valley University had received nearly 1,000 signatures. Kirk was also scheduled to appear at Utah State University on September 30, where a petition seeking to prevent his appearance had garnered nearly 6,900 signatures.
University’s Position
Despite the opposition, Utah Valley University had issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”
Federal Investigation
FBI Response
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed federal involvement, stating: “Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
The involvement of federal authorities underscores the gravity of the attack on a prominent political figure and its potential implications for national security and political discourse.
University Response
Campus Closure
Utah Valley University closed its campus and canceled all classes until further notice, urging students to “leave campus immediately.” The university asked those still on campus to “secure in place until police officers can safely escort them off campus.”
Official Statement
The university released a statement expressing shock: “It is with tremendous sadness and shock that Charlie Kirk, who was invited by the student group TPUSA, was shot at about 12:20 when he began speaking at his planned event on the Utah Valley University Orem Campus.”
Impact on Conservative Movement
Turning Point USA’s Future
The loss of Kirk represents a devastating blow to the conservative youth movement he helped build. Young conservatives who regularly attended Turning Point USA events expressed deep concern, with some comparing the atmosphere to the aftermath of the attempted assassination of President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Political Implications
Kirk’s death comes at a critical time for the conservative movement, particularly among young Americans. His organization had been instrumental in mobilizing Gen Z voters for conservative causes and Trump’s campaigns.
Broader Context of Political Violence
Escalating Threats
This assassination represents the most serious attack on a political figure since the attempted assassination of President Trump in 2024. The incident highlights the increasing dangers faced by public figures across the political spectrum in an era of heightened partisan tensions.
National Security Concerns
The ability of the shooter to target Kirk from a significant distance using what appears to be a rifle raises serious questions about security protocols for political events on college campuses and the broader challenge of protecting public figures in open environments.
Family and Personal Impact
Widow and Children
Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika and their two young children. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they process the tragic loss.
Close Relationships
Kirk had developed personal relationships with many prominent conservative figures, including members of the Trump administration and family. His death represents not just a political loss but a personal tragedy for those who knew him.
Looking Forward
Investigation Priorities
Law enforcement agencies are working to:
- Apprehend the suspect who remains at large
- Determine the motive behind the assassination
- Assess whether this was part of a broader threat against conservative figures
- Review security protocols for political events
Security Implications
This tragedy will likely prompt a comprehensive review of security measures for political figures speaking at public events, particularly on college campuses where access control can be challenging.
Political Discourse
The assassination raises profound questions about the state of political discourse in America and the need for leaders across the political spectrum to condemn violence while finding ways to reduce tensions.
Memorial and Legacy
Remembering Kirk
As the conservative movement and the nation mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk, his legacy as a young leader who energized a generation of conservative activists will be remembered. His work in building Turning Point USA into a national force and his dedication to engaging with opposing viewpoints, even in hostile environments, exemplified his commitment to democratic discourse.
Continuing His Mission
Questions remain about how Turning Point USA will continue Kirk’s mission in the wake of his death. The organization he built will face the challenge of maintaining its influence and continuing to mobilize young conservatives without its charismatic founder.
Conclusion
The assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University represents a dark moment in American political history. At just 31 years old, Kirk had become one of the most influential conservative voices of his generation, building a movement that reached millions of young Americans.
His death not only represents a personal tragedy for his family and friends but also a significant loss for the conservative movement and American political discourse more broadly. The fact that he was killed while engaging in the democratic process—debating ideas with students who disagreed with him—makes this tragedy particularly poignant.
As law enforcement continues to search for his killer and investigate the circumstances surrounding this attack, the nation must grapple with the implications of political violence and work to ensure that such tragedies do not become commonplace in American public life.
The legacy Charlie Kirk leaves behind—a commitment to engaging with opposing viewpoints, building a movement among young people, and participating in the democratic process—serves as a reminder of what we stand to lose when violence replaces dialogue in our political discourse.
