The 31-year-old was speaking at Utah Valley University when a gunman opened fire.
Bystander video from Utah Valley University shows Charlie Kirk being shot in the neck while addressing a large crowd of students. Kirk was at an event in Orem, Utah as part of his American Comeback Tour. The event just began when a single shot struck Kirk, who was seated, causing him to fall from his chair. The crowd of students quickly ran, and multiple videos circulating online show that the gunman fired no other shots. President Trump confirmed several hours later that Kirk had died from his injuries.
Turning Point USA had initially updated Kirk’s condition and said that “it did not look good” and that the 31-year-old was in “critical condition.” President Trump broke the news that Kirk had succumbed to his injuries, prompting widespread tributes from those close to Kirk and the Trump administration.
Shortly after the shooting, police could not provide details or confirm whether any students had been injured. Police said one suspect was in custody, but campus security and investigators declined to provide details on the suspect’s identity. Kirk, the influencer-turned-co-founder of Turning Point USA, makes hundreds of college visits every year to speak on promoting civil discourse. Campus security later said that there was a second suspect not yet apprehended.
Several high-profile political figures commented on the situation, including Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Vice President J.D. Vance. Kirk was a friend of President Trump and Vice President Vance and had been closely involved with the Trump administration’s second term. Other political figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom condemned the shooting and political violence. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as well as Senators McCormick and Fetterman also joined in the tributes for Kirk.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that local law enforcement responded to the scene and that the students in the crowd, as well as Kirk’s team from Turning Point USA, were safe. President Trump posted on Truth Social, urging people to “pray for Charlie” and calling his ally a “great guy from top to bottom.”
According to campus security, the shooting took place shortly after 12 pm local time, and Kirk was beginning a Q/A segment. Kirk often allows individuals from the crowd to ask questions challenging his views and engages in spirited debates with students from across the political spectrum. Other videos circulated show that Kirk was in the middle of a sentence when the bullet appeared to strike.
Early reports indicated that Kirk appeared to be shot from over 200 yards away, and the bullet that struck Kirk in the side of the neck was likely from a high-caliber rifle. Eyewitnesses say Kirk grabbed at his neck and immediately went limp before falling from his chair. President Trump said in a statement on Truth Social that Kirk “understood the heart of the youth in the United States better than anybody” and that he was “loved by all.” Kirk’s family, including his wife and two young children, were in attendance at the event.
President Trump shares a message on the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
“I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived & died. The values of free speech, citizenship, the rule of law & the patriotic devotion & love of God.” pic.twitter.com/3fBSgs4Zxa
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 11, 2025
