Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, during the opening of his “American Comeback Tour”. The incident occurred under a pop-up tent, where he was hosting a “Prove Me Wrong” Q&A booth. Video footage from the scene captured the moment a single gunshot rang out, forcing Kirk to recoil and grab his neck as attendees scattered in panic.
Campus officials quickly confirmed that a shot had been fired toward a visiting speaker, and a suspect was detained by authorities shortly afterward.
Public and political reactions were swift:
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President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” -
Vice President J.D. Vance on X:
“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.” -
FBI Director Kash Patel reaffirmed federal involvement:
“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” adding that agents were present at the scene and supporting the investigation. -
Prominent Utah politicians also weighed in. Governor Spencer Cox condemned the violence, stating, “Violence has no place in our public life… Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”
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Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis, along with other GOP officials, called for prayers and solidarity.
This shooting is part of a troubling pattern of political violence in the United States, following incidents such as the attempted assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker and the firebombing of political events.
Charlie Kirk remains a high-profile figure. At 31 years old, he is the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a prominent conservative organization that mobilized many Gen Z voters—particularly in support of Donald Trump. Already, his “American Comeback Tour” had generated controversy on college campuses.
At the time of writing, details about Kirk’s condition remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. As more information becomes available, the public awaits updates on his health and the circumstances behind this alarming attack.