Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator and founder of the organization Turning Point USA, has succumbed to his injuries after being shotat an event he attended at Utah Valley University.
The 31-year-old Donald Trump supporter was one of the most prominent voices on the American right, gaining millions of followers through his daily radio show and social media. His fame skyrocketed mainly thanks to the events he organized on university campuses, where he often spoke to students.
In recent years, he had developed a close relationship with the American president and regularly accompanied him to Mar-a-Lago.
The attack at Utah Valley University
Wednesday's event was organized by the local chapter of Turning Point at the university, which is located in the city of Orem, north of Provo.
Immediately after the attack, Kirk's spokesman, Andrew Colvet, confirmed that he had been shot in the neck and was in critical condition. Shortly before midnight, it was announced that Kirk had succumbed to his injuries.
A man was initially arrested in connection with the shooting, but according to the New York Times, police have concluded that the person in question was not the shooter.
Videos posted online show people running after the shooting. In one of the videos, Kirk's head is seen jerking back, blood dripping from his neck. At the time, he was speaking from a seat under a stage with the slogan The American Comeback.
University spokeswoman Ellen Traynor said Kirk was shot about 20 minutes into his speech. She said the shooter fired from the Losee Center, about 200 feet away.
Images from Kirk's speech, shortly before the attack
JUST IN: Video shows Charlie Kirk at Utah college event moments before he was shot
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 10, 2025
A video posted on social media captures the moment Kirk was shot, as well as the seconds leading up to the incident. Kirk was being asked about mass shootings in America. Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America in the last 10 years? one person can be heard asking. Counting gang violence or not? Kirk replies shortly before he is shot.
Videos circulating on social media show Kirk speaking in front of a large crowd and being shot – followed by panic as bystanders flee in fear.
Trump and Vance react
Donald Trump confirmed that Kirk had succumbed to his injuries. Earlier, both the US president and Vice President J.D. Vance expressed hope that he would survive.
Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 10, 2025
Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 10, 2025
The University announced via its social media that it is closing the campus and canceling all classes until further notice. It also called on members of the community to leave the university grounds immediately.
Young, influential and trump
Although he was not a member of the administration, Kirk's influence in the White House is considered significant. After the November election, he has helped evaluate candidates for appointments.
Kirk was scheduled to appear at the university and at Utah State University later in the month. His events have repeatedly drawn reactions and protests from student organizations.
Kirk was scheduled to engage in a public debate with progressive Hassan Picker at Dartmouth College on September 25.
Picker reacted with horror to the news of the attack, calling on some of his followers to stop making jokes about the shootings. He also expressed his fear that he himself could be targeted. It was a horrific incident, he said, adding: The fallout from people who might seek revenge after this violent, horrific event is truly concerning.
