OREM, Utah – Charlie Kirk, 31, a leading conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on Wednesday at Utah Valley University during a campus event. The news sparked shock and mourning nationwide, with politicians from both major parties speaking out.
President Donald Trump shared news of Kirk’s death on his Truth Social account, calling him a “Great American Patriot,” and ordered all U.S. flags to fly at half-mast until Sunday at 6 p.m. Police are searching for the shooter, who has not yet been caught. The attack has reignited arguments about political violence and whether conservative figures are being targeted in America.
Just after 12:10 p.m. MST, as Kirk launched Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour” at UVU, a gunshot rang out during a question-and-answer session. Kirk was sitting at his “prove me wrong” table, fielding questions from students, when a bullet struck him in the neck.
The gun was fired from roughly 200 yards away, near the Losee Center, witnesses said. Moments before the shooting, Kirk had been discussing mass shootings. Emma Pitts from Deseret News described the scene, recalling blood and panic as people tried to hide.
Another student mentioned Kirk had been debating religion, transgender rights, and gun violence right before the attack.
Paramedics rushed Kirk to a nearby hospital, but he died from his injuries. The university locked down the campus, cancelled classes, and urged everyone to shelter until police could evacuate them. By the end of the day, UVU said the campus would stay closed, while officers and SWAT teams searched for leads.
Manhunt for the Shooter
As of Thursday morning, no suspect had been detained, despite initial reports that someone had been taken into custody. UVU spokesperson Scott Trotter clarified that the person held was not the shooter.
Local and federal authorities, including the Orem Police, FBI, and Utah’s Department of Public Safety, are handling the search. FBI Director Kash Patel promised full support for the investigation, stating agents are working on the ground.
Officers are reviewing video and gathering witness accounts to find the shooter. The motive remains unclear. Orem Mayor David Young told the public not to shelter, as there is no sign of wider danger, but warned that the shooter is still on the loose. Law enforcement is canvassing nearby neighbourhoods for evidence and tips. Utah Governor Spencer Cox, after a call with President Trump, pledged that those responsible will face justice.
The lack of answers has fuelled online rumours, mostly from conservative circles, about a possible political motive. The shooting comes after other high-profile attacks on public figures, such as the killing of a Minnesota lawmaker and her spouse in June, and an assault on Israeli embassy staff in May.
Security experts have pointed out that the U.S. is now experiencing its longest stretch of political violence since the 1970s, with more than 300 attacks documented since January 6, 2021.
Are Conservatives Being Targeted?
Kirk’s killing has amped up concerns among conservatives about threats to their safety. Since co-founding Turning Point USA at age 18, Kirk has built a prominent conservative platform by taking his message to college campuses.
His events, known for heated debates on free speech, gender issues, and guns, always drew strong reactions. Ahead of his UVU appearance, nearly 1,000 people signed a petition to block his visit. At Utah State University, his next planned tour stop, 7,000 opposed his appearance as well.
Several conservative leaders quickly called the incident an attack on their movement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Kirk’s shooting an “assassination” and praised his “commitment to America’s future generations.”
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called Kirk an “extraordinary husband and father” and urged everyone to “defeat the evil” that led to his death. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) blamed “Democrats” for the shooting, pointing to Kirk’s recent debate about “trans violence,” though no evidence has emerged linking political opponents to the attack.
Politicians from both sides condemned the violence. Former President Joe Biden posted on X, “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson called the shooting “detestable” and held a moment of silence in Congress. California Governor Gavin Newsom, who had Kirk as a guest on his podcast earlier this year, called the event “disgusting” and “reprehensible.”
Charlie Kirk’s Rise and Influence
From young activist to conservative heavyweight, Charlie Kirk’s influence grew rapidly. He started Turning Point USA at 18, aiming to spread conservative ideas to students around the country. The group quickly gained national traction and a large following.
Charlie Kirk helped mobilize voters for Trump’s campaigns in 2016, 2020, and 2024. His “American Comeback Tour” debates, which often went viral online, turned him into a household name. Kirk’s daily podcast and televised debates on Fox News made him a regular figure in conservative media, amassing 5.2 million followers on X.
Kirk and Trump maintained close ties, with Kirk often serving as an unofficial adviser and regularly appearing at Trump events. He also advocated for policies rooted in his evangelical Christian beliefs, including the Seven Mountain Mandate, which supports Christian leadership in government and media. Kirk spoke openly against Big Tech and often defended the rights of the working class.
Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters said, “Charlie was a father, husband, and dedicated patriot who inspired young Americans. His loss is utterly appalling.” Kirk leaves his wife Erika and their two children, ages 3 and 1. After the shooting, Erika shared a verse from Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Nation Responds with Sorrow and Division
Reactions to Kirk’s death have included grief but also deepening divides. President Trump called Kirk “an incredible guy” and said the shooting was “one of the most horrible things I’ve ever seen.”
Vice President J.D. Vance posted a photo of the two together, urging people to “say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.” Donald Trump Jr. wrote, “I love you brother. You gave so many people the courage to speak up, and we will not ever be silenced.”
Progressive commentator Hasan Piker, who was set to debate Kirk later this month, said on Twitch he was horrified and asked his fans to stop making jokes about the tragedy. Former Representative Gabby Giffords, herself a survivor of gun violence, said the murder broke her heart. Yet some on the right, including a well-known billionaire, blamed Democrats without evidence, further stoking tension.
Charlie Kirk’s killing has added to growing concerns over political violence in the United States. On the same day, a shooting at Evergreen High School in Colorado left two students in critical condition, highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle with gun violence.
As people process the news, Kirk’s absence is being felt deeply by supporters and his family. Turning Point USA has closed for the rest of the week. Chief Operating Officer Justin Streiff said, “Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven.”
While police continue to search for answers, people across the country are reflecting on the loss of a sharp, often controversial, but always influential figure who shaped conservative politics in his short life.
