Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent ally of President Donald Trump, has died following a shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday afternoon, according to a statement from Trump confirming the 31-year-old's death.
Kirk was shot in the neck during a campus speaking event at approximately noon when a single gunshot rang out while he addressed students from beneath a white tent in the university's courtyard. The incident marked a tragic end to what was intended as the first stop of Turning Point USA's "American Comeback Tour," scheduled to visit multiple college campuses nationwide.
A Shot That Silenced a Rising Political Voice
Eyewitness accounts and social media footage captured the horrific moment when Kirk was struck. Utah Valley University student Luke Pitman, who witnessed the attack, described the initial confusion among attendees.
"We thought it was confetti. Then, everyone started ducking down," Pitman told Salt Lake City ABC affiliate KTVX. "And then, I look over at Charlie Kirk and I see blood coming from his neck".
Video footage shared on social media shows Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone when a gunshot is heard, followed by the activist lifting his right hand as blood pours from the left side of his neck. Shocked onlookers can be heard gasping and screaming as people begin to flee the scene.
The Associated Press confirmed the authenticity of videos recorded at the university's courtyard, which depicted Kirk's security personnel swiftly evacuating him from the venue following the attack.
Presidential Mourning and Federal Investigation
"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie."
— President Donald Trump
Trump announced Kirk's death on social media, stating: "He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife, Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!"
Earlier, when Kirk was hospitalized in critical condition, Trump had called the incident "horrific" and "one of the most horrible things I've ever seen" in comments to ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed federal involvement, stating the agency "stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation." In contrast, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed FBI and ATF agents were responding to the scene.
Campus Controversy Preceding the Tragedy
The fatal shooting occurred amid significant campus tension over Kirk's appearance. Nearly 1,000 students had signed an online petition requesting that university administrators prevent the event from taking place. The university had released a statement the previous week emphasizing First Amendment rights and reiterating its commitment to "free speech, intellectual exploration, and constructive discourse.”
Kirk himself had acknowledged the controversy, sharing images of news articles about opposition to his Utah campus visits on the social media platform X, asking, "What's happening in Utah?"
Utah Valley University initially reported that a suspect was in custody, but later clarified that while a person was detained, they had been released. As of Wednesday evening, the suspect remained at large, according to Orem police, supporting the university's investigation.
Political Violence Continues to Plague American Discourse
The attack on Kirk represents the latest in a disturbing pattern of political violence affecting all segments of the ideological spectrum. Recent incidents include the assassination of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband at their home in June, a firebombing of a parade demanding the release of Hamas hostages, an arson attack on Pennsylvania's Jewish governor's residence in April, and the shooting of Trump during a campaign rally last year.
Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz, who attended the event, told Fox News Channel he witnessed the shooting firsthand. "It appeared to be a close shot," Chaffetz remarked, noting there was minimal police presence and insufficient security despite Kirk having some protection.
From Teen Activist to Conservative Powerhouse
Kirk established Turning Point USA in suburban Chicago in 2012, at the age of 18, alongside Tea Party activist William Montgomery, with a mission to promote limited government and lower taxes on college campuses. Although the organization struggled initially, Kirk's determination to challenge liberal perspectives in academia eventually attracted significant backing from conservatives.
After initially reserving judgment, Turning Point enthusiastically embraced Trump following his securing of the GOP nomination in 2016, with Kirk serving as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr. during the general election campaign. Kirk subsequently became a familiar figure on cable television, engaging in cultural debates and praising the then-president.
The organization experienced dramatic growth during the Trump era, expanding from $3 million in combined revenue in 2016 to $92 million in 2023 across Kirk's two nonprofit organizations. Under his leadership, Turning Point USA established chapters at over 850 colleges nationwide, making it the country's largest and most prominent conservative youth movement.
Bipartisan Condemnation of Violence
Political leaders across party lines condemned the attack. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, called it "horrifying," stating that "this growing type of unconscionable violence cannot be allowed in our society". California Governor Gavin Newsom described the attack as "disgusting, vile, and reprehensible," emphasizing that "we must reject political violence in EVERY form".
Republican Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo characterized the incident as "sickening and heartbreaking," adding there is "no place -- ever -- for violence in American politics". Vice President JD Vance had earlier posted on social media: "Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father".
Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who was briefed on the violence, emphasized that "those responsible will be held fully accountable" and that "violence has no place in our public life," calling for Americans "of every political persuasion" to unite in condemning the act.
As the investigation continues and the nation mourns the loss of one of its most prominent young conservative voices, Kirk's death serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous escalation of political violence in American society. The campus remains closed with classes canceled until further notice as the community grapples with this tragic loss of life and the broader implications for political discourse in America.