Charlie Kirk Assassinated at Utah Valley University Event

Charlie Kirk, Utah - Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Thursday afternoon (Sept. 11). He was struck in the neck by a single, precision-fired round and died en route to a nearby hospital.

A leading voice among conservative youth, Kirk had just begun the first stop of his 14-campus “American Comeback Tour” when the shooting occurred in the university’s open-air courtyard. Private security and campus police officers were on site but were unable to stop the assailant, believed to have fired from an elevated position roughly 200 yards away.

University and law-enforcement officials have confirmed that:

  • The suspect, dressed in dark clothing, remains at large following a brief, mistaken detention and release.
  • The FBI has joined the investigation, dispatching agents to gather forensic evidence and review security-camera footage.
  • The campus was locked down and subsequently cleared after a thorough sweep of nearby buildings.

Reaction across the political spectrum was swift. Former President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags lowered to half-staff through Sunday and condemned what he called “radical left political violence.” House Speaker Mike Johnson and other congressional leaders decried the act as “detestable” and urged national unity against political extremism.

Turning Point USA released a statement mourning Kirk’s loss and requesting privacy for his family: “May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior.” Kirk, 31, built a nationwide following through campus debates, media appearances, and his popular podcast. His death has sent shockwaves through conservative circles and raised urgent questions about security at public political events.

As investigators piece together the shooter’s identity and motive, university classes remain canceled and heightened security measures are being implemented at similar events nationwide.Flags across federal buildings will fly at half-staff in Kirk’s honor until Sunday evening.