OREM, UTAH – Conservative activist and commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon, in what authorities are investigating as a politically motivated assassination.
Kirk, 31, co-founder of the student-focused conservative group Turning Point USA, was appearing on campus as part of his “American Comeback Tour” when the shooting occurred shortly after 12 p.m. Witnesses said Kirk had just taken the stage in the university’s Grand Ballroom when a gunshot rang out. Investigators later determined the shot was fired from the rooftop of the nearby Losee Center, approximately 200 yards from the venue.
Emergency crews rushed Kirk to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the neck. Despite extensive medical efforts, he was pronounced dead later in the day.
Shooter at Large
Initial reports suggested that police had taken a suspect into custody, but officials later clarified that no arrests have been made and the shooter remains at large. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have joined the investigation, while campus police and Orem law enforcement continue to canvass the area and review surveillance footage.
Utah Valley University canceled all remaining events and closed parts of the campus as authorities searched for evidence.
National Response
News of Kirk’s death quickly drew reaction from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump, who has credited Kirk with helping energize young conservative voters, confirmed the activist’s passing on Truth Social, calling him a “legendary patriot” and ordering flags to be flown at half-staff.
Vice President J.D. Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries all issued statements condemning the violence and offering condolences to Kirk’s family. California Governor Gavin Newsom also weighed in, describing the assassination as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” while warning about the rise in political violence nationwide.
Kirk’s Influence
Charlie Kirk was widely known as a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and a key figure in cultivating conservative activism on college campuses. Through Turning Point USA, he built a network of student chapters across the country, often drawing both fervent support and sharp criticism.
His “American Comeback Tour” was designed to reach younger voters ahead of the 2026 election cycle, with stops at universities nationwide.
Broader Concerns
The attack has reignited debate about political polarization and violence in the United States. Kirk’s death follows a series of incidents targeting high-profile figures and public events, raising concerns about security at political rallies, campaign stops, and campus appearances.
Authorities have not released any details about a possible motive but confirmed that the investigation is being treated with the highest priority.
Snapshot: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Charlie Kirk, 31, conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA |
| Date of Incident | September 10, 2025 |
| Location | Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah |
| Time of Shooting | Approximately 12:10 p.m. local time |
| Injury | Gunshot wound to the neck |
| Outcome | Pronounced dead at hospital |
| Shooter | Fired from rooftop of Losee Center, suspect remains at large |
| Investigation | FBI, ATF, and local police leading probe |
| National Response | Condemnation from Trump, congressional leaders, and governors |
The investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination remains ongoing, with federal and local authorities urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the shooter’s arrest.
Updates as of 9:45 AM Thursday:
- Shooter still at large
Authorities continue to search for the person who fired the shot; no arrest has been made in connection to the shooting. - Weapon recovered
Law enforcement has recovered a high-powered rifle believed to have been used in the killing. - Suspects released after detention
Two individuals were detained earlier, but both have since been released after determining they were not connected to the shooting. No further suspects are known to be in custody. - Evidence and description emerging
- Authorities said there is good video surveillance footage of the suspect.
- The shooter is described as wearing dark/tactical gear, possibly college-aged.
- The shot came from a rooftop (the Losee Center building is identified as likely location) at UVU, roughly 200 yards distant from where Kirk was speaking.
- Investigation leadership and cooperation
Multiple agencies are leading the investigation: the Utah Department of Public Safety, the FBI, local law enforcement, and the Utah County Attorney’s Office. - Campus & public response
- Utah Valley University has suspended classes and major activities through September 14.
- Political figures have broadly condemned the attack, including from both parties.
- Governor Spencer Cox has labeled the killing a “political assassination.”
Updates as of 10:45 AM Friday, September 12, 2025
- Suspect in Custody
- A suspect has been arrested.
- The individual is identified by sources as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, from Utah.
- According to reports, Robinson was turned in by a family member who saw released surveillance images.
- Evidence Recovered
- A bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the shooting has been recovered.
- Bullet casings with political or ideological markings (“engraved bullets”) may have been found.
- Investigation Status
- Over 7,000 tips have been submitted to the FBI.
- Law enforcement involvement is broad: many state and federal agencies are cooperating.
- Authorities believe the shooter fired from a rooftop roughly 200 yards from where Kirk was speaking.
- Public and Political Response
- President Trump confirmed the suspect is in custody and described the shooting as a “heinous assassination.”
- Governor Spencer Cox and others have condemned the act, stressing the investigation is being treated with urgency.
