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Shooting of Charlie Kirk

Coordinates: 40°16′39.1″N 111°42′50.4″W / 40.277528°N 111.714000°W / 40.277528; -111.714000
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Shooting of Charlie Kirk
The campus of Utah Valley University in the area of the shooting (pictured here in 2004)
Map
LocationUtah Valley University
Orem, Utah, U.S.
Coordinates40°16′39.1″N 111°42′50.4″W / 40.277528°N 111.714000°W / 40.277528; -111.714000
DateSeptember 10, 2025
12:10 p.m. MDT (UTC−06:00)
DeathsCharlie Kirk

On September 10, 2025, American conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while onstage at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah.[1][2] Kirk was speaking at an open-air campus event, the first stop on a campaign planned by Turning Point USA, the conservative organization he co-founded.

Kirk's killing came at a time of "deepening division and increasingly frequent violence in American political life", according to the Financial Times.[3] It followed the attack on Paul Pelosi in 2022,[4] assassination attempts in Pennsylvania and Florida on Donald Trump in 2024, the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December of that year, an arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence in April 2025, and the shooting of two Minnesota legislators in June.[5]

Background

Main article: Charlie Kirk
Kirk in April 2025

Charlie Kirk was an American right-wing political activist, author, and media personality, known for being the co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA.[6] The Washington Post described him as "one of the most prominent voices on the right" in recent years.[7]

Kirk's Utah Valley University appearance was the first stop of the American Comeback Tour, a multi-campus series planned by Turning Point USA for the fall.[6] Kirk was traveling with private security, while also having security provided by university police and local authorities.[8] Prior to the event, a petition had circulated around calling on the university to not allow him to appear and speak, though the university stated that they would allow him on campus in accordance with free speech and open discussion policies.[9]

Shooting

At approximately 12:10 p.m. MT, Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking at an American Comeback Tour event. Kirk was answering a question on the number of mass shootings committed by transgender people prior to the shooting.[10][11] He was then asked "Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?" As shown in eyewitness videos, Kirk responded, "Counting or not counting gang violence?", and was then shot as the person was responding.[12][13] The shot came from approximately 200 yards (180 m) away and hit Kirk in the neck.[14]

An estimated 3,000 people were present at Kirk's event.[13] Kirk's wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two children were in attendance.[15] Former US representative Jason Chaffetz, who was also in attendance, stated "As soon as the shot went out, everybody hit the deck and everybody started scattering and yelling and screaming".[13] Another witness told The New York Times that "no one really got down until the people in front of the stage did" and "people got down in waves."[16] An eyewitness reported to CBS News that there was "blood pouring everywhere" and that there were "no metal detectors or anything" at the venue.[17]

At 12:37 p.m., the university closed the campus, canceled classes, and urged all individuals to leave campus.[18] At 2:01 p.m., the university asked students to "secure in place until police officers can escort you safely off campus."[19]

Kirk was taken to a local hospital, variously reported to be Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem,[20] or Utah Valley Hospital in the neighboring city of Provo, Utah.[21] The Associated Press reported at approximately 1:45 p.m. that a source had told them that Kirk was in "critical condition" at the hospital.[22] Reuters reported he underwent surgery, citing a university spokesperson.[23] His death was reported by President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account at 2:40 p.m., and confirmed by a spokesperson for Kirk.[24]

Investigation and campus response

Multiple cellphone videos of the shooting were quickly published onto social media.[25] The perpetrator's name is unknown.[26][27] Authorities confirmed they had closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of the suspect.[28]

The official Twitter account for UVU stated that a single shot was fired toward Kirk and that he was removed from the scene by his security team.[29][30] Early reports from the university and several outlets stated that a suspect was in custody; later in the afternoon, UVU spokesperson Scott Trotter clarified that no suspect was in custody at that time.[20][12]

University officials said the shot appeared to come from a campus building roughly 200 yards (180 m) from the event area; local media identified the location as the Losee Center rooftop.[22][31]

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were assisting at the scene.[32]

Utah governor Spencer Cox[33] and FBI director Kash Patel both confirmed on the same day that a person of interest was in custody.[34] Cox additionally alluded to the potential use of capital punishment.[35]

Reactions

Domestic

Shortly after the shooting, Donald Trump stated on Truth Social: "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot."[36] Vice President JD Vance posted on X: "Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father."[36] Messages of sympathy also came from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr,[37] and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.[38][better source needed] Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Mike Johnson called Kirk's death "a great heartbreak," describing him as "one of the strongest" conservative voices.[13] Johnson paused the House of Representatives during a series of votes to call for a moment of silence and prayer dedicated to Kirk,[27] while President Trump ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff until that Sunday at 6 p.m. in Kirk's honor.[13]

Politicians from the Democratic Party, including former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden,[27][13] former Vice President Kamala Harris,[13] former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,[13] California governor Gavin Newsom,[39] Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer,[13] Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro,[40] Minnesota governor Tim Walz,[41] Vermont senator Bernie Sanders,[42] Pennsylvania senator John Fetterman,[40] New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani,[43] and former congresswoman Gabby Giffords along with her husband Senator Mark Kelly condemned the shooting.[27]

Progressive streamer Hasan Piker, who had been due to debate Kirk later in September, called the killing a "terrifying incident", and said: "The reverberation of people seeking out vengeance in the aftermath of this violent, abhorrent incident is going to be genuinely worrisome."[5]

International

British prime minister Keir Starmer expressed condolences.[44] Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a tweet offering his prayers for Kirk.[45] Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack and expressed condolences.[46] Argentine president Javier Milei also sent his condolences,[47] as well as Canada's Leader of the Official Opposition and federal Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre.[48] Sweden's Christian Democrats party leader Ebba Busch and Sweden Democrats Member of Parliament Mattias Karlsson expressed condolences.[49][better source needed] Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, while addressing the media, shared a photograph of him and Kirk and said, "This is a very dark day for American democracy. I am desperately sad for Charlie, his wife and children."[50]

Aftermath

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library canceled and postponed a planned event with commentator Ben Shapiro that was scheduled to occur later that evening.[51]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Conservative activist Charlie Kirk in critical condition after being shot at Utah college event". AP News. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  2. ^ Bradner, Eric (September 10, 2025). "Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and Trump ally, dies after shooting at Utah campus event". CNN. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  3. ^ Fedor, Lauren (September 10, 2025). "Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk shot dead in Utah". Financial Times. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  4. ^ "Charlie Kirk shot and killed at Utah event; gunman still at large, sources say". www.cbsnews.com. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Leingang, Rachel (September 10, 2025). "Charlie Kirk's death shows political violence is now a feature of US life". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  6. ^ a b Deliso, Meredith (September 10, 2025). "Charlie Kirk dies after shot while visiting Utah university, Trump says". ABC News. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  7. ^ "Conservative activist Charlie Kirk fatally shot in Utah; person of interest in custody". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  8. ^ "Charlie Kirk traveled with private security, and university and local police were also assisting, aide says". CNN. September 10, 2025.
  9. ^ Sherman, -Mark (September 10, 2025). "Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot at Utah Valley University event, in critical condition". PBS News. Associated Press.
  10. ^ McGraw, Meridith (September 10, 2025). "Kirk Engaging With Student About Transgender People and Mass Shootings When Shot". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved September 10, 2025.(subscription required)
  11. ^ Forster, Erkki (September 10, 2025). "I Saw Charlie Kirk Shot After Transgender Mass Shooting Question". The Daily Beast. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  12. ^ a b "Charlie Kirk shot during event at Utah Valley University". The Guardian. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Live updates: Charlie Kirk shot at Utah Valley University event". CNN. September 10, 2025. Archived from the original on September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  14. ^ "Charlie Kirk Shot at Speaking Event on Utah Campus".
  15. ^ "Kirk's family was in attendance, senator says". BBC News. September 10, 2025.
  16. ^ Waller, Mark (September 10, 2025). "'People Got Down in Waves': A Witness's Account of the Charlie Kirk Shooting". The New York Times. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  17. ^ "Charlie Kirk shooting witness says she saw "blood pouring out everywhere"". CBS News. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  18. ^ @UVU (September 10, 2025). "Campus closed, classes canceled until further notice. Police are investigating. Leave campus immediately. Follow police instructions. https://uvu.info" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  19. ^ @UVU (September 10, 2025). "UVU campus is closed. Classes cancelled. Those on campus, secure in place until police officers can escort you safely off campus. We ask for your patience throughout this process. We are providing updates as best as possible. This is an ongoing and unfolding event" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  20. ^ a b Pitts, Emma; Terry, Eva (September 10, 2025). "Charlie Kirk shot at Utah event, suspect not in custody". Deseret News. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  21. ^ Heuer, Mike (September 10, 2025). "Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot and killed in Utah". United Press International. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  22. ^ a b Brown, Bridget; Cormier, Bill. "Live updates: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot at Utah college event". AP News. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  23. ^ "Live Updates: Charlie Kirk, Right-Wing Activist, Fatally Shot in Utah". The New York Times. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  24. ^ "Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk shot dead at Utah university event". Reuters. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  25. ^ "Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk shot at Utah Valley University event". Reuters. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  26. ^ Pitts, Emma; Terry, Eva (September 10, 2025). "Charlie Kirk shot at Utah event, suspect not in custody". Deseret News.
  27. ^ a b c d Levonson, Michael (September 10, 2025). "Live Updates: Charlie Kirk, Right-Wing Activist, Shot in Utah". The New York Times. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  28. ^ "Suspect possibly shot from a roof - law enforcement". BBC News. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  29. ^ @UVU (September 10, 2025). "Today at about 12:10 a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk. He was hit and taken from the location by his security" (Tweet). Retrieved September 10, 2025 – via Twitter.
  30. ^ "What did we learn from the authorities?". BBC. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  31. ^ "Political activist believed shot at Utah Valley University during speaking appearance". KSTU FOX 13 (Salt Lake City). September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  32. ^ "Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk shot at Utah university event". Reuters. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  33. ^ Faheid, Dahlia (September 10, 2025). ""Person of interest" is in custody, Utah governor says". CNN. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  34. ^ Timotija, Filip (September 10, 2025). "Suspect in fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk in custody, FBI says". The Hill.
  35. ^ "Utah governor reminds people death penalty still legal in stern warning over Kirk's death". CNN. September 10, 2025.
  36. ^ a b Moreau, Jordan (September 10, 2025). "Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot During Utah Debate". Variety. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  37. ^ "'We must reject political violence' - politicians react to shooting". BBC News. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  38. ^ @SecScottBessent (September 10, 2025). "Rest in peace to my friend, Charlie Kirk. My heart is with his loved ones at this devastating time. This inexcusable violence belongs nowhere in a civilized society. Charlie was a brave man, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a great patriot. Please join me in praying for his family and our country" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  39. ^ "'Disgusting, vile, and reprehensible' | Newsom reacts to shooting of Charlie Kirk". KXTV. September 10, 2025.
  40. ^ a b "Pa. governor, lawmakers react to Charlie Kirk shooting, condemn violence". PennLive. September 10, 2025.
  41. ^ "Charlie Kirk shot: Political leaders react to shocking news about conservative activist". NJ.com. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  42. ^ "Charlie Kirk dead, Donald Trump announces: latest updates". Newsweek. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  43. ^ "Live updates: Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk fatally shot at Utah college event". PBS News. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  44. ^ "Charlie Kirk: Powerful right-wing influencer and Trump ally shot dead". Sky News. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  45. ^ "Jewish, Israeli leaders call for prayers and end to political violence after Charlie Kirk is shot". The Times of Israel. September 10, 2025. ISSN 0040-7909. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  46. ^ "Other world leaders also express condolences". BBC News. September 10, 2025. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  47. ^ "Difunden un video de Milei con Kirk, durante una de las visitas del Presidente a EE.UU". La Nación (in Spanish). September 10, 2025.
  48. ^ Morrison, Catherine (September 10, 2025). "Canadian politicians condemn shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk". prpeak.com.
  49. ^ "Den konservativa opinionsbildaren och studentaktivisten Charlie Kirk har blivit skjuten. Jag känner starkt medlidande med hans familj. Det politiska hatet och våldet i Väst måste få ett slut". www.threads.com. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
  50. ^ Hurley, Bevan (September 10, 2025). "Charlie Kirk shooting suspect in custody, says FBI head — latest news". The Times.
  51. ^ Kiszla, Cameron (September 10, 2025). "Reagan Library postpones visit by prominent conservative after Charlie Kirk shooting". KTLA.
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