Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was 31.
The Shooting
The shooting happened around 12:20 p.m. local time as Kirk addressed students outdoors under a tent during the kickoff of his American Comeback Tour.
Video footage from the event shows Kirk falling from his stool after a single shot rang out, sending the crowd into panic with shouts of “Run, run, run!”
Pray for Charlie Kirk. He understood the risks and courageously put himself out there anyway. https://t.co/BkKZc6oDpi
— Dale Stark (@DaleStarkA10) September 10, 2025
Utah Valley University (UVU) immediately locked down its campus, canceled classes, and issued emergency alerts.
“A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now,” the university said.
Spokesperson Ellen Treanor said a suspect was initially taken into custody but later released as the investigation continued.
Police escorted students out of campus buildings one by one. Roads to campus were closed for several hours.
Law enforcement officials told the Associated Press that Kirk was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but did not survive.
Republicans Pay Tribute
President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s passing on Truth Social.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote. “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 … Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Vice President JD Vance urged prayers for Kirk, calling him “a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
Utah Senator Mike Lee said he was monitoring the situation closely and asked the public to pray for Kirk and the students in attendance.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised Kirk as “an incredible Christian, American, and human being.”
The U.S. Secret Service issued condolences to Kirk’s family, while noting it had adjusted protective measures for President Trump in light of evolving threats.
MSNBC Blames Kirk Supporters
MSNBC said the shooter might have been “a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration.”
🚨OMG — MSNBC just said the shooter might have been “a supporter shooting their gun off in celebration.”
WHAT?!
The Fake News is blaming MAGA already. Shameful. pic.twitter.com/BEOP3NlgFD
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) September 10, 2025
Kirk’s Life
Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18, turning it into a national conservative youth organization with chapters across U.S. campuses.
He hosted major student summits and became a high-profile supporter of Trump, frequently appearing on conservative media.
Kirk authored four books, including The MAGA Doctrine: The Only Ideas That Will Win the Future.
Kirk married former Miss Arizona USA Erika Frantzve in 2021. The couple have two children, a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son.
His popular Charlie Kirk Show podcast ranked among the top 10 on Apple Podcasts, with more than 120 million downloads over the past year.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not publicly identified a suspect or released a possible motive.
The campus remains closed until further notice as the investigation continues in coordination with local law enforcement.
You are a True Patriot Charlie Kirk! You’ll surely be missed by many.😭😭 R.I.P 🙏