OREM, UTAH — Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Wednesday during an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University. The shooting occurred at approximately 12:10 p.m. local time when Kirk was struck by a single gunshot to the neck.
The incident, which Utah's governor has labeled a "political assassination," has sent shockwaves across the nation. A manhunt is currently underway for the shooter, who remains at large.
The Attack
The assassination took place in a campus courtyard where Kirk was hosting a "Prove Me Wrong" style debate with students. Eyewitnesses report that Kirk was ironically engaged in a discussion about mass shootings and gun violence when the fatal shot was fired.
Videos from the scene show Kirk answering a student's question before suddenly clutching his neck and collapsing from his chair. Witnesses described a single "loud pop" before chaos erupted.
"There's just blood pouring out everywhere and his eyes kind of rolled back," said Raydon DeChene, who was in the crowd. The gunshot sent the audience of over 3,000 people fleeing in panic.
Manhunt and Official Response
Law enforcement officials believe the shot was fired from a distance, possibly from the roof or a window of the nearby Losee Center building. The suspect was described as wearing all-dark clothing.
Utah Valley University was immediately placed on lockdown, and all classes were canceled. University Police Chief Jeffrey Long acknowledged challenges with securing the large event, which was staffed by six university officers and Kirk's private security team.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the killing in the strongest terms. "I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination," Cox said at a press conference. "This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation.”
President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk's death on social media and announced he has ordered all American flags to be lowered to half-staff in his honor. The assassination has drawn widespread condemnation from political figures across the ideological spectrum.
The assassination has been met with bipartisan condemnation and calls for national unity. President Harris decried the shooting as a "horrific act of political violence" and urged Americans to "reject the rhetoric of hate and division that is poisoning our nation." Vigils were held Wednesday night in cities across the country, with mourners gathering to honor Kirk's memory and pray for the injured.
Utah Valley University canceled all classes on Wednesday and has made counseling services available to students and staff. In a statement, the university expressed its condolences to the victims' families and praised the "heroic actions" of the officer who intervened.
The shooting of a prominent political figure has reignited debates about political polarization and the safety of public figures. Kirk, a vocal and often controversial commentator, was a leading voice in conservative politics and a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump. His death has left a significant void in the conservative movement and has raised concerns about the potential for further political violence.
