Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot at Utah Valley University

Lead: Conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday afternoon, succumbing to his injuries hours later.

Nut Graf: The shocking killing of the 31-year-old political activist underscores growing concerns about violence at public gatherings and has prompted widespread condemnation from politicians, sports figures and university officials.

Campus Shooting Shocks Students Authorities say a single gunman opened fire at approximately 12:20 p.m. local time during Kirk’s “American Comeback” tour Q&A, striking him in the neck. Hundreds of attendees scrambled to safety as officers evacuated and secured the campus. A suspect-later confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel-was taken into custody near the library rooftop where eyewitnesses reported seeing a figure moments before the shot.

Dispatch Audio Reveals Chaos TMZ obtained dispatch recordings capturing first responders coordinating the manhunt and escorting an injured individual-later identified as Kirk-to a nearby hospital. The audio hints at at least one other person wounded in the melee, though details remain scarce amid the ongoing investigation.

National Figures Express Grief and Outrage From Utah Senator Mike Lee to President Donald Trump, elected officials denounced the violence. Trump tweeted prayers for Kirk’s recovery before announcing his death, calling him “a great guy from top to bottom.” Vice President J.D. Vance and California Governor Gavin Newsom likewise decried the attack as “vile” and “disgusting,” urging Americans to reject political violence.

Sports Community Reacts Athletes including Le’Veon Bell, Ryan Garcia and Antonio Brown took to social media offering prayers and condemning the shooting. “His passion for conservative students was unmatched,” wrote former NFL star Bell, joining others in mourning the political commentator’s tragic end.

TMZ Apologizes for Newsroom Misstep Amid coverage, TMZ acknowledged an insensitive moment when staff elsewhere in the office laughed during a live feed of an unrelated car chase. The outlet apologized for the “tone-deaf” reaction occurring while reporting on the assassination.

Investigation Ongoing Orem police, with assistance from university security, continue to comb the UVU campus for evidence. Officials have yet to release the suspect’s identity or motive. Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children. The university has canceled all events through the weekend and offered counseling services for students and staff.