Charlie Kirk Shot & Killed at Utah College Event

On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a public event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was hosting a “Prove Me Wrong” debate table as part of Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour.” AP News+3Reuters+3CBS News+3
The shooting occurred at about 12:20 p.m. MDT. A loud shot rang out, and Kirk appears to have been hit in the neck. The crowd panicked. Wikipedia+3Reuters+3CBS News+3
The shot was fired from a building approximately 200 yards (or slightly more) away. Reuters+2ABC News+2

Charlie Kirk was 31 years old. He was the CEO and co‑founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization focused on campus activism and youth politics. Wikipedia+3CBS News+3Reuters+3
He is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children. People.com+2CBS News+2

Authorities confirmed a suspect is in custody, but that individual has since been released after interrogation; it is not yet known whether they are the shooter. The shooter remains unidentified. CBS News+3Reuters+3People.com+3
A high‑powered bolt action rifle believed to be the weapon used was recovered in a wooded area near the scene. ABC News+1

Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the incident as a political assassination. AP News+1
Donald Trump posted, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead ... He was loved and admired by ALL,” asking for prayers for his family. CBS News+2Reuters+2
Leaders across the US from both sides of the political spectrum have publicly responded—some urging for investigations, others condemning political violence. People.com+2CBS News+2

About 3,000 people were attending the event. The Guardian+1
The campus was shut down following the shooting. Classes were canceled. Campus police confirmed a campus‑wide lockdown at the time. Reuters+1