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This story contains graphic details of a violent act. Reader discretion is advised.
Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has died after he was shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.
In the organization’s first statement, Turning Point USA said on Facebook that Kirk was “murdered by a gunshot” during the organization’s American Comeback Tour event at Utah Valley University. The statement comes as authorities continue to search for the suspect.
“May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie,” the statement read. “We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers.”
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President Donald Trump first confirmed the news that Kirk died from his injuries on Truth Social.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X Wednesday evening that authorities had a person in custody in connection with Kirk’s killing. That person has since been released from custody.
“Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency,” Patel wrote.
Shooting posted on social media
Kirk was sitting down during a student Q&A on campus when he was shot. Some on social media have posted videos showing the shooting. The videos show Kirk speaking to students as a gunshot rings out, before Kirk slumps back and blood pours from his neck.
Moments before he was shot, Kirk was listening to and debating students, a practice he has become well-known for. An audience member can be heard asking him a question about the number of mass shootings in the U.S. over the last decade, before Kirk asks, “Counting or not counting gang violence,” and then a single gunshot is heard.
University officials said Kirk was hit by a single bullet fired from a nearby building about 200 yards away from where he was sitting. The university previously stated that authorities had arrested a suspect, but a subsequent statement from the school confirmed that authorities were still searching for a suspect at the time. Officials said Kirk was at the school for his national campus tour.
“On September 10, 2025, at 12:20 a single shot rang out in the quad near the food court on the Utah Valley University Orem Campus as Mr. Charlie Kirk began speaking at his planned rally. We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition. The suspect is not in custody. Police are still investigating Campus is closed for the rest of the day.”
Scott Trotter, UVU spokesperson
Following the shooting, school leaders placed an evacuation order for all students. The university posted that classes are canceled until further notice and that all students are asked to leave immediately.
Reactions to the shooting
Raydon DeChene, a student who witnessed the shooting, told CBS News Kirk was debating an audience member about the recent Minneapolis shooting. She said after he was shot, everyone in the crowd went to the ground before they were told to run.
“There’s just blood pouring out everywhere. His eyes kind of rolled back,” she said. “The crowd dropped to the ground,” she said. Then “they told us all to run, so we all ran out.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox posted on X following the shooting and said he will hold those responsible to the fullest extent and that his prayers are with Kirk and his family.
I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today. We will continue to share updates.
— Governor Cox (@GovCox) September 10, 2025
Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life.
Americans of…
Trump posted to Truth Social, saying Kirk was a “great guy top to bottom,” and we must “all pray for Charlie Kirk.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom also offered his thoughts following the shooting. He called the attack “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible” and said that we must “reject political violence in EVERY form.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said agents are heading to the scene to assist local police in the investigation and that the bureau will fully support the ongoing response.
Who was Charlie Kirk?
Kirk was a big figure in conservative media. He was the CEO and face of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit that advocates for conservative politics in high schools and colleges. He co-founded the group in 2012 when he was 18.
Turning Point quickly gained traction online, with some saying the group played a big role in Trump’s victory in 2024. Now, Turning Point has groups in more than 850 colleges.
Kirk was an avid conservative debater. Most recently, he appeared at a debate with students at Cambridge University.
Straight Arrow News has left messages seeking comment with Kirk’s spokesperson, Andrew Kolvet.
