Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Tuesday, September 10, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The attack took place during the kickoff event of Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour,” hosted by Turning Point USA. Authorities confirmed that the fatal shot came from approximately 200 yards away, striking Kirk in the neck mid-speech. A person of interest was initially taken into custody, though later released, as law enforcement continues the search for the shooter.
The shooting caused immediate chaos as Kirk collapsed and attendees fled in panic. Footage captured the moment the shot struck, showing Kirk recoil as blood poured from his neck. Law enforcement responded swiftly, placing the campus on lockdown while federal and local agencies secured the area. The FBI has joined the investigation, and as of now, the gunman remains unidentified and at large.
Reactions from political leaders were swift. Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the shooting, calling it an attack on free speech and democratic discourse. Members of Congress from both parties echoed similar sentiments, though some conservative leaders directly linked the incident to escalating anti-conservative rhetoric in media and academia. The event has reignited debate over the rise of political violence in the United States.
Eyewitness accounts describe confusion and horror in the moments after the shot was fired. One attendee said the sound echoed like a firecracker before screams erupted and security rushed the stage. Reports indicate the shot may have come from a nearby campus building, not from within the venue itself. Police are currently analyzing surveillance footage and ballistic evidence to track the source and trajectory of the bullet.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent figure in conservative youth activism and a vocal supporter of Christian values in public life. He leaves behind his wife Erika and their two children. Faith leaders across the country have expressed sorrow and prayers for the Kirk family, recognizing his bold advocacy for biblical truth in a secular culture increasingly hostile to conservative voices.
