Update – Charlie Kirk has passed away
According to President Trump on Truth Social:
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. 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!
What we know
- Shots were fired at an event for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem, just north of Provo, according to a statement from the school
- Kirk was removed from the premises by his security team, the school said
- Videos circulating online appear to show Kirk recoiling after a shot was heard, with blood pouring from his neck
- A suspect was previously arrested, but is not the alleged shooter. Reports indicate the shooter is still at large
- Associated Press initially reported Kirk was in “critical condition” at a local hospital
- President Trump confirmed the awful news that Kirk has passed away
Original story below will be updated as it develops…
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during an appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred during a stop on Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour,” where he was taking questions from students under a large tent on campus. Witnesses say shots rang out shortly after the Q&A session began. Multiple people reported that Kirk appeared to be struck near the neck.
Warning: Graphic
Video circulating on social media shows a chaotic scene as attendees screamed and rushed for safety. Kirk can be seen collapsing as staff members pulled him away from the stage area. Additional videos have been posted as well.
Local media outlets, including Deseret News and KUTV, confirmed that police were called to the university after reports of gunfire. As of late Wednesday, officials had not released details on Kirk’s condition.
Utah Senator Mike Lee posted on social media that he was praying for Kirk and the students who were present. “This is shocking and deeply troubling,” Lee wrote. “Our prayers are with Charlie and everyone affected.”
The Guardian, The Times of London, and Newsweek all reported on the shooting, noting that while witnesses described Kirk being hit near the neck, official confirmation of the extent of his injuries has not yet been released. Some accounts claim a suspect may be in custody, but authorities have not verified those details.
Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded in 2012 to promote conservative activism on college campuses, has also not yet issued a formal statement.
Fox News is reporting Kirk as “hospitalized,” but there are no specifics on his condition.
Utah Valley University, host of the Kirk event, confirmed the shooting and provided some more details:
Today at about 12:10 (2:10 pm ET) a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk. He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating, a suspect is in custody.
Watch live KSL via YouTube:
This remains a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.