OREM, Utah — Sept. 10, 2025 — Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon, sending shockwaves across the nation.
The shooting occurred around 12:10 p.m. as Kirk addressed an audience of nearly 3,000 people during an outdoor stop on his “American Comeback Tour.” While responding to questions about mass shootings, a single gunshot rang out. Witnesses described seeing Kirk recoil before collapsing as blood poured from his neck. Panic erupted as students and families scrambled for safety.
Authorities traced the shot to the rooftop of the Losee Center, a building roughly 200 yards from the stage. Video footage circulating on social media shows a figure dressed in all black lying flat on the roof moments before the gunfire, and later sprinting away. Investigators later confirmed the suspect was wearing tactical gear, including a helmet, vest, mask, and aviator-style glasses.
Kirk was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. He was 31 years old.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox denounced the killing as a “political assassination” and vowed to bring the perpetrator to justice. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed federal agents are leading the investigation, describing the manhunt as an urgent national priority.
The attack has raised serious questions about campus security. Witnesses reported there were no bag checks, ticket scans, or metal detectors at the entrance to the amphitheater. Despite a crowd of more than 3,000 people, only six campus officers were on duty, in addition to Kirk’s private security detail. Several attendees voiced outrage, saying anyone could have walked into the event unchecked.
Former President Donald Trump mourned Kirk’s death on Truth Social, calling him “great, and even legendary,” and announced flags would be flown at half-staff through Sunday. Lawmakers from both parties also issued statements of condemnation, urging unity against escalating political violence.
Utah Valley University suspended classes and closed its campus until September 15 as law enforcement continues to search for the rooftop shooter. Officials stressed that while one person of interest was detained, he was later released, and the prime suspect remains at large.
Kirk, a father of two, leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, their three-year-old son, and 16-month-old daughter.
