Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative commentator and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

The shooting took place at approximately 12:10 p.m. MDT during a live question-and-answer session on campus. Kirk was standing under a tent when a single bullet struck him in the neck. He collapsed moments later as security personnel rushed to remove him from the stage. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators determined the gunfire came from the rooftop of a university building located about 200 yards from the event site. Witnesses described the suspect as wearing dark clothing. Police initially detained a person of interest, but later confirmed that individual was not the shooter. The attacker remains unidentified and at large.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the killing as a political assassination, emphasizing that the attack appeared targeted. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are working alongside local police to locate the suspect and determine a motive.

In the immediate aftermath, Utah Valley University placed its campus on lockdown, canceled all classes, and postponed scheduled events.

Reaction to Kirk’s death has been widespread. Former President Donald Trump announced his death on social media and ordered flags flown at half-staff, calling Kirk a “legendary” figure in conservative politics. President Joe Biden, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and other national leaders condemned the violence and called for unity in response.

Sources Associated Press; Reuters; BBC News; NBC News; Yahoo News