Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a prominent close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, during a public appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk, aged 31, had been speaking at a student-sponsored event dubbed “Prove Me Wrong” as part of his American Comeback Tour when he was struck by a single shot to the neck. Approximately 3,000 people attended the outdoor event under a tent in a central courtyard when the attack occurred Wikipedia+5Reuters+5Wikipedia+5.
The shooting happened around 12:20 p.m. MDT, about twenty minutes after the program began. Video footage captured the moment Kirk collapsed and the audience panicked, scattering in fear. He was promptly transported by his security team to Timpanogos Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead later that afternoon People.com+2Wikipedia+2.
Authorities believe the shooter fired from a 6th-floor rooftop roughly 150–200 yards from the crowd. A bolt-action rifle, identified as a .30-caliber Mauser, was found discarded in nearby woods. Investigators also collected a palm print and shoe impression at the scene and released surveillance photos of a person of interest wearing dark clothing, a hat and sunglasses WBBH+5AP News+5Wikipedia+5.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox strongly condemned the killing as a “political assassination”, calling the day a dark chapter for both the state and the nation. The FBI, alongside local law enforcement, launched a nationwide manhunt, offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Two individuals briefly held by authorities were cleared and released; the shooter remains unidentified and at large People.com+2WBBH+2.
Kirk was co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organisation he helped build from age 18 into a powerful campus presence across the U.S. He emerged as one of the most influential voices within the Trump-aligned movement, frequently appearing on national cable news and podcasts. His platform focused on rallying young conservatives, and he played a major role in mobilizing youth support during Trump’s 2024 election campaign Reuters+2Wikipedia+2.
News of his death triggered an immediate response. Donald Trump called Kirk “great…and legendary,” ordering U.S. flags to fly at half-staff and arranging his posthumous awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom at an upcoming ceremony. Vice-President J.D. Vance canceled his 9/11 memorial trip to visit Kirk’s family and attended to express condolences. Leaders across party lines—including Democrats—condemned the violence and called for unity and civility AP News+2CBS News+2.
Campus officials announced closure of Utah Valley University through September 14 amid security concerns. Student vigils erupted across the country, and Turning Point USA asked supporters to pray for Kirk’s wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children during this tragic time People.com+2AP News+2.
Experts note Kirk’s killing comes amid a worrying escalation in politically motivated violence in the U.S. since 2021, following previous deadly incidents targeting public officials, lawmakers, and activists. Law enforcement continues to comb the area, review surveillance footage, and urge witnesses or anyone with information to come forward as the investigation enters a critical phase Reuters+2WBBH+2.
Kirk’s legacy remains deeply divisive—hailed by supporters as a hero of conservative youth engagement, and criticized by opponents for fueling divisive rhetoric. Yet regardless of politics, many agree his death underscores an urgent need to reexamine event security, the rhetoric of public discourse, and protections for political figures on campus The Guardian+2Wikipedia+2.
