Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old right-wing activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead on the Utah Valley University campus while taking questions from the audience at an event.
TO MY GREAT FELLOW AMERICANS… pic.twitter.com/oRsrE5TTHr
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2025
Wearing a white t-shirt with the word “Freedom” printed on it, Kirk was sitting in a tent responding to a question about mass shootings when a single shot rang out. The bullet struck his neck, and he collapsed to his left as blood poured through the wound.
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who witnessed the incident, told Fox News, “As soon as that shot went out, he fell back. Everybody hit the deck… a lot of people started screaming, and then everybody started running.”
Authorities Launch Manhunt After Shooting
Local authorities said the fatal shot may have been fired from a rooftop. A manhunt has been launched to arrest the killer.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that one suspect had been taken into custody but was later released after interrogation. “Our investigation continues, and we will continue to release information in the interest of transparency,” he said.
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Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was known for advocating conservative politics on high school, college, and university campuses.
Trump, Democrats Condemn Political Violence
President Donald Trump paid tribute to Kirk, calling him “great, and even legendary.” In a statement, Trump said, “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. 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.”
Blaming “radical left” rhetoric for Kirk’s killing, Trump vowed action. “This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today. My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity, and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it,” he said in a video message.
Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned the shooting. “Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence,” she said.
Former President Joe Biden echoed her remarks, saying such violence “must end now.” He added, “Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
