Kirk Shooting Casts Shadow Over 24th Anniversary of 9/11

Lead Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University today, overshadowing nationwide ceremonies marking the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in New York, the Pentagon and Shanksville.

Nut Graf As Americans paused to honor nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, fresh violence underscored lingering domestic divisions. The unexpected assassination of Kirk, a prominent figure in conservative politics, amplified security concerns at memorial events and sparked bipartisan calls for civility.

Charlie Kirk Assassination

  • What: Charlie Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during a speaking engagement on the Utah Valley University campus.
  • When: Wednesday evening; he was pronounced dead early Thursday.
  • Where: Orem, Utah.
  • How: Investigators say a lone gunman fired from an adjacent rooftop; a manhunt is under way.
  • Why It Matters: The attack prompted President Trump to decry political violence and order U.S. flags at half-mast through Sept. 14.

9/11 Memorial Ceremonies

  • New York City:
    • Ground Zero ceremony opened at 8:30 a.m. ET with Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul among attendees.
    • Six moments of silence marked each impact and collapse, followed by an in-person reading of names on the Memorial Plaza.
  • Pentagon, Arlington, Va.:
    • President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump led a tribute for the 184 military and civilian victims at 9:37 a.m. ET.
    • Vice President Vance diverted to Utah to meet Kirk’s family.
  • Shanksville, Pa.:
    • Officials observed silence at 10:03 a.m. ET and laid wreaths at the Flight 93 National Memorial.

Other Incidents Today

  • Colorado School Shooting: A student shot two peers at Evergreen High School before taking his own life; one victim remains critical.
  • U.S. Military Strike: Pentagon officials confirmed a strike on a Venezuelan vessel suspected of narcotics trafficking, sinking the boat after repeated hits.

Enduring Impact and Vigilance

Twenty-four years after al-Qaida’s coordinated attacks, ceremonies and community service projects underscored national resilience and remembrance. Yet today’s violence served as a stark reminder of the continuing challenges to security and unity.