Shooter at Utah Event Kills Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk

Lead Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot Wednesday at Utah Valley University during his “Prove Me Wrong” debate, triggering a large-scale manhunt for a college-aged suspect and a recovered rifle on nearby grounds.

Nut Graf Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was struck by a single bolt-action rifle round around 12:20 p.m. local time as he engaged students in Orem, Utah. Authorities have released images of a person of interest and offered a $100,000 reward for information, underscoring concerns over political violence on campuses.

Manhunt Underway

• The FBI, Utah Public Safety Department and local police are searching building rooftops, stairwells and surrounding neighborhoods for a suspect described as college-aged.
• Two individuals briefly detained have been released, with no ties to the shooting confirmed.

Suspect and Weapon

• Officials believe the shooter fired from an elevated position, possibly the roof of UVU’s Losee Center, roughly 150 yards from Kirk’s location.
• A high-powered bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel was found in a wooded area; investigators recovered a spent cartridge and unspent rounds marked with political slogans pending forensic analysis.

Reactions and Impact

• President Trump ordered flags at half-staff and pledged the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously for Kirk, calling it “a dark moment for America.” Former President Biden condemned the attack as “unconscionable”.
• UVU announced a campus closure through Sept. 14 as grief and security concerns mount.

Next Steps Authorities urge anyone with video, photos or tips to contact the FBI, emphasizing that no lead is too small. The investigation remains active and evolving as officials work “around the clock” to bring the assailant to justice.