Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University. State leaders quickly denounced the attack, with Governor Spencer Cox calling it a “political assassination.”
Cox confirmed that a person of interest had been taken into custody, though no charges were filed at the time. He described the tragedy as “a dark day for our state” and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people rushed out of a campus building after the shooting. Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, had been speaking when he was struck. Police later said the gunman wore dark clothing and fired from a rooftop some distance away.
News of Kirk’s death first came from Trump, who posted a tribute on Truth Social. He called the 31-year-old “Great, and even Legendary,” adding that “no one understood or connected with the youth of America better than Charlie.”
Orem Mayor David Young clarified that the shooter was still at large. A person who had been briefly detained at the university was later determined not to be the suspect, according to someone familiar with the investigation.
Videos shared online showed the moment of the attack. Kirk was sitting beneath a white tent labeled with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” He was holding a microphone when a single shot rang out. The footage shows him raising his right hand as blood poured from his neck. The crowd gasped and screamed before scattering in panic. The Associated Press confirmed the video was filmed in the Sorensen Center courtyard.
Moments earlier, Kirk had been answering questions about gun violence. One audience member asked how many transgender Americans had carried out mass shootings in the past decade. “Too many,” Kirk replied. The questioner pressed again about the total number of shootings. Kirk asked, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Seconds later, the gunfire erupted.
The university was immediately locked down. Students were told to remain in place until officers could safely escort them out. Classes were canceled until further notice. Armed police also went door to door in nearby neighborhoods, showing residents a photo of a person of interest.
The event had been billed as the first stop on Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour.” It had already generated controversy, with nearly 1,000 people signing a petition to cancel his appearance. The university declined, citing its commitment to free speech and open dialogue.
Kirk himself had addressed the backlash days earlier. Posting on X, he shared headlines about protests and asked, “What’s going on in Utah?”
The shooting drew swift condemnation from across the political spectrum. Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff and issued a presidential proclamation. Democrats and Republicans alike called the attack unacceptable.
California Governor Gavin Newsom described the killing as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.” Former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived a 2011 shooting, said she was heartbroken and extended condolences to Kirk’s wife, children, and friends.
Although investigators have not identified a motive, the attack has fueled concern over rising political violence nationwide. Recent incidents include the murder of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband, the firebombing of a Colorado parade, and an arson attack on Pennsylvania’s governor’s home. Trump himself was wounded at a rally last year.
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who was present at the event, recalled hearing a single gunshot before seeing Kirk collapse. “It seemed like it was a close shot,” he told Fox News. He added that there was security, but not enough. “Utah is one of the safest places on the planet,” Chaffetz said. “We just don’t see these kinds of things.”
Kirk launched Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18, alongside activist William Montgomery. At first the group struggled to gain traction. Over time, Kirk’s confrontational style and persistence attracted support from influential conservative donors.
By 2016, Turning Point was firmly behind Trump’s campaign. Kirk worked closely with Donald Trump Jr. and soon became a regular face on cable news. He built his reputation by embracing culture war debates and consistently praising the president. Trump and his son frequently appeared at Turning Point events in return.
