Charlie Kirk, 31, the conservative activist who led Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. Utah’s governor labeled it a political assassination as authorities searched for a suspect and campuses nationwide reevaluated security.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was tragically shot and killed on Wednesday during a public event at Utah Valley University, an act that Gov. Spencer Cox condemned as a “political assassination.” Kirk, 31, who co-founded the youth organization Turning Point USA, was speaking to an outdoor audience when he was hit by a single round in the neck, according to university and law enforcement officials.
Officials reported that the shots originated from a rooftop on the campus. Authorities continued to follow up on leads late Wednesday after initially taking a “subject” into custody, who was subsequently released after being questioned, as stated by FBI Director Kash Patel. Authorities have not yet revealed the identity of the person in question or provided any information about a possible motive.
Footage captured at the location revealed Kirk addressing a crowd beneath a white tent labeled “The American Comeback” just moments before a gunshot echoed, causing him to fall as onlookers reacted with panic and hurried away. The campus experienced an evacuation, classes were suspended, and law enforcement conducted door-to-door checks in the nearby area as the search continued.
“Today marks a troubling moment for our state.” Cox expressed deep sorrow, stating, “It’s a tragic day for our nation,” and further remarked, “This is a political assassination.” Former President Donald Trump, who acknowledged Kirk's role in energizing young conservatives, shared the news of his passing and lauded him as “great and even legendary.”
Kirk gained recognition by establishing a vast campus network via Turning Point USA and by closely associating with Trump. Authorities received expressions of sorrow and outrage regarding political violence as they investigated how a shooter gained a high vantage point and opened fire on a packed campus gathering.
Texas, a state renowned for its active college chapters of Turning Point USA and its established campus-carry legislation, was rocked by the incident. Governor Greg Abbott and fellow Texas conservatives expressed their disapproval of the shooting, while the Texas A&M chapter of TPUSA organized a vigil for Thursday night.
Kirk made his entrance in Utah as discussions unfolded on campus regarding his presence, a decision that administrators supported based on principles of free expression. The incident has intensified worries regarding the rise of political violence, which has affected individuals from various political affiliations in recent years. Cox pledged accountability for the shooter in a state that allows capital punishment.
