Orem, UT – Conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two and key Trump ally, was shot in the neck during an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday, around 12:10 p.m. MDT.
Video footage shows Kirk recoiling after a single gunshot rang out while he addressed a crowd of students as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” Kirk was immediately removed from the scene by his security team and taken to a hospital, where his condition remains unknown.
The FBI is investigating the incident as a targeted attack. President Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social, posting, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. God bless him!”
How It Went Down
Kirk was speaking under a tent on UVU’s campus in Orem, Utah, when the shot was fired from a nearby building, specifically the top of the Losee Center, according to university officials. Videos circulating on social media, including one from attendee Justin Hickens shared with NBC News, show Kirk seated on a chair as a loud crack echoes, causing him to convulse and fall backward while blood appears on his neck.
The crowd panicked, with students running for cover and screaming, per footage posted by @prem_thakker on X. Kirk’s last X post before the shooting, at 12:05 p.m., read, “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.”
UVU issued a campus-wide alert at 12:15 p.m., stating, “A shot was fired from a nearby building and we have a suspect in custody.” Classes were canceled for the day, and the lower campus was evacuated as a precaution.
The university, Utah’s largest public institution with over 46,000 students, confirmed Kirk was the visiting speaker hosted by the TPUSA chapter. No other injuries were reported, and the event, which drew a large crowd of young conservatives, was part of Kirk’s tour promoting Trump-aligned policies.
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA in 2012, has mobilized Gen Z voters for Trump, helping secure youth support in 2024. His influence extends to the White House, where he has vetted appointees for loyalty to Trump.
Kirk hosts “The Charlie Kirk Show” podcast and has over 5.2 million X followers, often sparking campus protests with his views on immigration, climate change denial, and anti-vaccine stances during COVID-19.
Reactions from Trump and Officials
Trump’s Truth Social post at 12:45 p.m. MDT called for prayers, describing Kirk as “a great guy from top to bottom.” Vice President JD Vance posted on X at 1:00 p.m., “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” noting Kirk’s two children.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, stated on X, “I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”
U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) posted at 12:20 p.m., “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.” FBI Director Kash Patel announced on X at 12:50 p.m., “We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) condemned the attack on X at 1:15 p.m., “The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed, “Political violence is NEVER acceptable,” at 1:30 p.m.
U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) posted, “The news is horrific. Let’s hope he is well and keep him and his families in our prayers.” Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) stated, “My heart goes out to Charlie, those in attendance, and their families.”
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Investigation and Security Details
A suspect was detained shortly after the shooting, per UVU’s alert, though details on identity or motive remain undisclosed. The shot originated from the Losee Center rooftop, prompting a lockdown and evacuation. Local police, including Orem PD, secured the campus, with FBI agents arriving by 1:00 p.m.
Kirk’s security team, including private guards, escorted him to Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital, where he underwent surgery; Turning Point USA confirmed he was stable but in critical condition as of 3:00 p.m.
The event, the first stop on Kirk’s tour, had drawn prior criticism; a petition to cancel his Utah State University appearance gathered 7,000 signatures, citing his views. TPUSA’s Aubrey Laitsch told AP, “We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie.” The organization canceled upcoming events, including at Utah State University later in September.
On X, #CharlieKirkShot and #PrayForCharlie trended with over 500,000 posts by 4:00 p.m. Supporters like @MagaStrong2026 posted prayers, “Charlie is a warrior—God protect him from leftist violence.” Critics, including @BlueWave2026, shared footage, “Shocking—hoping for recovery, but campus security failed.”
The shooting ties to rising tensions: Trump’s September 6 “Department of WAR” Chicago post, Epstein files releases on September 8, and a weak August jobs report, per CNN. Kirk’s role in mobilizing youth for Trump, including vetting appointees, amplifies the incident’s impact.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/GqYC4QdhA1
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 10, 2025
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Why It Matters
Kirk’s influence in the GOP, through TPUSA’s campus activism and his podcast with 5.2 million followers, made him a target for opponents. Prior events drew protests, like a 2024 RNC rally. The FBI’s involvement signals federal classification, potentially as domestic terrorism.
Trump’s administration faces scrutiny over security lapses, following a July 2024 assassination attempt on Trump. UVU, with 46,000 students, evacuated the lower campus; classes resumed Thursday, per university statement.
TPUSA vowed to continue the tour.
Update: Charlie Kirk is dead per Donald Trump.
“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!”
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