On September 10, 2025, conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah. The incident occurred around 12:10 p.m. local time during the first stop of his "American Comeback Tour." Kirk was engaging with students at a "Prove Me Wrong" table when a shot was fired from a nearby building approximately 200 yards away, striking him in the neck. He was immediately taken to a hospital in critical condition. 

The university issued a shelter-in-place alert following the shooting and confirmed that a suspect was in custody. However, reports later indicated that the individual detained was not the actual suspect, who remains at large. The motive behind the shooting is currently unknown.

The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance expressed their support for Kirk and called for prayers. Senators Mike Lee and Ashley Moody, along with other lawmakers, also condemned the attack and urged unity against political violence. The FBI and ATF are involved in the investigation. 

Kirk, 31, is a prominent conservative voice known for his criticism of liberal ideologies and his advocacy for conservative values. He co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and has been a vocal supporter of former President Trump. The organization has been active in promoting conservative viewpoints on college campuses across the United States.

The shooting has raised concerns about the increasing political polarization and the potential for violence in political discourse. Lawmakers and public figures continue to call for a united front against political violence and for measures to ensure the safety of individuals expressing their views.

As of now, Kirk's condition remains critical, and updates on his health are awaited.

Sources: Reuters, CBS News, The Guardian, PBS NewsHour, Wikipedia