UPDATE: Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died after being shot during a live event in Utah on Wednesday. His death has shocked both political allies and opponents across the country.
Andrew Harnik / Getty Images
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Trump Confirms Kirk’s Death
Former President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on Truth Social.
Trump wrote:
“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!” — Donald Trump
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social / Via truthsocial.com
Additionally, a spokesperson for Kirk confirmed his passing to The New York Times, further solidifying the devastating news.
Shooting at Utah Valley University
Charlie Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University under a tent with the phrase “PROVE ME WRONG” printed on top. Importantly, this event was part of his Turning Point USA American Comeback Tour, where he often engaged in heated but civil debates with students.
Multiple videos online captured the horrifying moment. In one clip, Kirk is seen addressing the crowd when a single gunshot strikes his neck. Immediately afterward, the audience screamed, and chaos unfolded.
According to eyewitnesses, the level of security was alarmingly low. Although tickets were required, attendees noted that no staff actually scanned or checked them. Consequently, this lapse may have allowed the gunman to enter unnoticed.
Emma Pitts, a Deseret News reporter, told CNN:
“We were about 10 minutes into the interview [with] four people in front of us. And we hear the gunshot and then you see Charlie go limp. His neck kind of turned and we saw blood immediately.” — Emma Pitts, Deseret News
Eva Terry, another reporter present, added:
“To be perfectly blunt, it felt like so much blood came out of his neck immediately, and then we all took to the ground. I can’t tell you what happened immediately after.” — Eva Terry, Deseret News
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Political Leaders Condemn the Violence
Almost immediately, political leaders across the spectrum condemned the shooting. Furthermore, many called for unity and an end to political violence in America.
House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi posted on X:
“The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation. All Americans should pray for Charlie Kirk’s recovery and hold the entire UVU community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence.” — Nancy Pelosi
California Gov. Gavin Newsom also spoke out:
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.” — Gavin Newsom
International figures also expressed concern. For example, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted briefly:
“Praying for [Charlie Kirk].” — Benjamin Netanyahu
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance urged Americans to unite in prayer:
“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.” — JD Vance
FBI and Law Enforcement Response
Law enforcement quickly detained a suspect at the scene. Moreover, the FBI deployed agents to Utah Valley University to support the investigation.
FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement:
“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.” — Kash Patel, FBI Director
Kirk’s Legacy and Impact
Charlie Kirk was widely recognized as a powerful conservative voice, particularly among young Americans. Significantly, he founded Turning Point USA, a national youth-focused organization promoting conservative values on college campuses.
Through his events, Kirk aimed to challenge students to rethink progressive ideas. His American Comeback Tour became a stage where he debated issues like free speech, the Second Amendment, and economic policy. Consequently, his death leaves a major void in the conservative movement.
