Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, has died after being shot during a public event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, as confirmed by multiple news sources and official statements.
The incident unfolded on September 10, 2025, around noon local time. Kirk was speaking under a tent during the opening of his “American Comeback Tour” when a single shot struck him in the neck. The round was fired from a building about 200 yards from students’ estimates, possibly the rooftop of the Losee Center.
Cellphone videos of the moment quickly spread on social media, showing Kirk collapsing as the tented crowd erupted in chaos. Witnesses described scenes of panic, with blood visible at the scene and attendees fleeing in alarm.
University officials and law enforcement responded swiftly. A person was initially taken into custody but was cleared of involvement, and authorities later clarified that no suspect is currently detained. The FBI and ATF are leading the investigation, and the campus was immediately locked down, evacuated, and closed for the day.
MOMENTS BEFORE DISASTER:
President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death via a post on Truth Social, calling him “Great, and even Legendary,” and extending condolences to his wife Erika and family. Leading figures from both parties from Vice President J.D. Vance and Senator Mike Lee to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the shooting and expressed condolences.
Political commentators and local leaders emphasized that the incident underscored a growing threat of politically motivated violence in the U.S. a trend seen in recent attacks on public figures from across the political spectrum.
Turning Point USA, founded by Kirk in 2012 to promote conservative causes on college campuses, has become one of the most influential youth political organizations in America. Kirk was widely known for his energetic activism and media presence.
He is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two children. The news of his death reverberated throughout the political world and reignited discussions about security at public events and the consequences of political polarization.
Close-up video of the shooting has since emerged. We won’t post it here because of its graphic nature but it can easily be found with a search on X/Twitter.
