Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, has died after being shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, according to three officials who confirmed his passing.
The university confirmed in an emergency alert that “a single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now, suspect in custody.” An earlier statement from UVU said the shot appeared to have come from the top of the Losee Center.
Video footage showed Kirk speaking under a tent before being violently thrown from his stool. Witnesses reported he was struck near the neck.
Deseret News reported that bystanders saw the gunshot hit Kirk during a Q&A with students, a detail also confirmed by Newsweek. Fox News initially reported Kirk had been hospitalized.
Former Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, present at the event, said he heard a single shot just after a question was posed to Kirk. “As soon as I saw Charlie go back, you realize that it was a shot,” he told Fox News.
A suspect is in custody, though authorities have not released their identity or motive.
President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, writing: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Conservative commentator Benny Johnson also called for prayers in an X post.
Vice President JD Vance wrote: “Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour.” Leaders across the political spectrum condemned the attack, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added, “Praying for @charliekirk11.”
Videos verified by the Associated Press showed Kirk clutching his neck as blood streamed heavily, while attendees screamed and fled. The shooting took place in UVU’s Sorensen Center courtyard.
Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, rose to national prominence as one of the most visible conservative activists of his generation and a close ally of President Trump.
Classes at Utah Valley University have been canceled until further notice as the investigation continues.
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