Charlie Kirk, 31, killed in shooting at Utah Valley University TPUSA event
Gov. Spencer Cox says shooting was a 'political assassination'
Updated at 6:30 p.m. ET, Sept. 10, 2025: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox described the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk as a "political assassination" during a press briefing late Wednesday. Cox added that a person of interest is in custody, but did not confirm whether that person is the shooter.
Updated at 4:45 p.m. ET, Sept. 10, 2025:President Donald Trump confirmed on his Truth Social account that Charlie Kirk has died after being fatally shot in a targeted attack at the "The American Comeback Tour” hosted by TPUSA at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has called it a political assassination. Kirk's death was also announced live to listeners of his radio broadcast and confirmed by Salem Media Group.
The president wrote: "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!"
It is unknown at this hour whether or not the shooter has been apprehended.
Updated at 4:05 p.m. ET, Sept. 10, 2025: Charlie Kirk is reported to be in critical condition. Despite earlier reports that a suspect had been taken into custody, it is believed that the shooter has not been apprehended.
Kirk's wife, Erika, posted a Bible verse on her social media, writing: Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Original report:
Conservative activist and author Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at a university in Utah, with a suspect reportedly being taken into custody.
Kirk was overseeing a question-and-answer session with students at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday when a shot rang out.
Bystanders reported seeing the renowned conservative activist get shot near his neck, according to Deseret News and videos shared on X. The campus was put on lockdown in response to the incident.
“This is horrific,” tweeted conservative Christian activist and former Trump administration official William Wolfe. “He’s a husband and a father. Please pause and pray right now that the Lord would preserve his life.”
A conservative media personality who co-founded and leads Turning Point USA, Kirk is known for visiting college campuses and participating in debates with liberal students. It was reported that before he was shot, he was engaged in a dialogue about the recent prevalence of trans-identified mass shooters.
Kirk’s visit to UVU was part of his "The American Comeback Tour.” An online petition opposing Kirk's appearance on campus received over 900 signatures. However, the university released a statement last week citing its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”
The Christian conservative himself noted the scant opposition to his forthcoming events in the state, writing on social media last week: “What’s going on in Utah?”
This is a developing story.
