Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of conservative youth activist group Turning Point USA, has died after being shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, officials confirmed.
Former President Donald Trump announced the news on social media, writing:
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
The shooting occurred just after noon during the kickoff of Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour”, which was scheduled to travel across several U.S. college campuses. According to the university, a single shot was fired on the Orem, Utah campus, striking Kirk as he addressed students.
“He was hit and taken from the location by his security,” Utah Valley University said in a statement.
Police initially said a suspect was in custody but later clarified that the shooter remains at large. The FBI and ATF are assisting local law enforcement in the investigation.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed federal agents are on the ground, while FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency “stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
Student Luke Pitman, who witnessed the shooting, told local affiliate KTVX that the attack happened suddenly.
“We thought it was confetti. Then, everyone started ducking down. And then, I look over at Charlie Kirk and I see blood coming from his neck.”
The incident sparked swift reactions across the political spectrum:
Trump, visibly shaken in an ABC interview, called the shooting “one of the most horrible things I’ve ever seen.”
Utah Valley University has closed its campus and canceled classes until further notice. Police said there is no ongoing shelter-in-place order but urged the community to report suspicious activity immediately.
The event was meant to include Kirk’s signature “prove me wrong” table, a hallmark of Turning Point USA’s campus outreach. Ahead of his visit, some students had circulated an online petition urging administrators to cancel the appearance.
Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at just 18 years old, growing it into one of the most influential conservative youth organizations in the country. His sudden death marks a seismic moment in right-wing politics, cutting short a career that energized millions of young conservatives.
As investigations continue, tributes from allies and critics alike highlight a nation once again grappling with the shadow of political violence.
Credit: ABC News
