Orem, Utah – Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot Wednesday while speaking with students at Utah Valley University during a stop on his “American Comeback Tour,” authorities confirmed.
Update: 9:54 pm Wednesday: Charlie Kirk has been confirmed dead. His shooter remains at large. A suspect arrested at the scene was released, with authorities nothing he was not the shooter later in the day.
Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was seated at his trademark “Prove Me Wrong” table when a single gunshot rang out during a student Q&A session. Eyewitness video shared online shows him flinching and collapsing as the crowd scattered.
Campus officials said one suspect was taken into custody shortly after the shooting, which occurred outdoors under a tent on university grounds. No additional suspects are being sought.
The extent of Kirk’s injuries remains unclear. Multiple outlets reported he was struck near the neck, but no official condition has been released by his representatives or medical authorities.
Students described a scene of panic as the shot was fired. “Everyone started running in every direction,” one attendee told local reporters. “People didn’t know where the sound came from.”
Political leaders quickly reacted to the incident. Utah Senator Mike Lee wrote on X that he was “tracking the situation closely” and urged prayers for Kirk and the students who witnessed the shooting. Another senator from the state also expressed concern online.
Utah Valley University issued a campus alert confirming shots had been fired and later assured that there was no ongoing threat. Law enforcement has not yet disclosed a possible motive.
The shooting comes amid heightened security concerns around political figures and campus events nationwide. Officials emphasized that the investigation is active and further updates will follow.
Key Points
- Charlie Kirk was shot during a campus Q&A session at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
- A suspect has been taken into custody, and no ongoing threat has been reported.
- Kirk’s condition remains unconfirmed as the investigation continues.
The scene in Orem left a stunned campus waiting for answers.