During an American Comeback Tour, which the Turning Point USA chapter hosted at Utah Valley University, Kirk, 31, was seen shot in the neck in a video posted on X (warning, graphic) with at least hundreds in attendance
Esther Wickham
The Center Square
Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA founder and executive director and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck on Wednesday at a Utah Valley University event, and has been confirmed dead by the White House.
During an American Comeback Tour, which the Turning Point USA chapter hosted at Utah Valley University, Kirk, 31, was seen shot in the neck in a video posted on X (warning, graphic) with at least hundreds in attendance.
After the shots were fired, there is video footage seen of students on campus running away from the sound of gunshots, the Guardian reported.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!” Trump posted on X.
School authorities indicated that the shots originated from the roof of the Losee Center, roughly 200 yards from Kirk.
The gunfire happened 20 minutes into Kirk’s event. The person who was taken into custody has been released, according to a UVU spokeswoman, Ellen Treanor.
Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, has officially closed its campus and canceled all classes until further notice.
In a post on X, the university urged all individuals to leave campus immediately and comply with police instructions as the investigation continues, Newsweek reported.
“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” Vice President JD Vance posted to X.
“Tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there,” U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted on X.
Founded by Kirk in 2012, Turning Point USA advocates for conservative politics on college and university campuses and at high schools. It has chapters on more than 300 campuses nationwide.
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X.
The Chair and Vice Chair of the National Governors Association have released a joint statement responding to this event, calling on leaders to condemn political violence.
“As Governors, we stand together—Republicans and Democrats—in condemning political violence in every form. The incident today in Utah involving Charlie Kirk is a stark reminder that violence has no place in our democracy, in our states, or in our communities,” Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Maryland Governor Wes Moore released in a joint statement. “Our responsibility as Governors is to safeguard public safety and protect the democratic institutions that make America strong. Disagreements must be addressed through dialogue, debate, and the democratic process; not through intimidation or harm.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
This report was first published by The Center Square.
Also read:
- Clark County small businesses urge legislature to reject state income tax
More than 30 Clark County businesses sent a letter to state lawmakers opposing Senate Bill 6346, arguing the proposed income tax could harm small businesses and the broader economy. - Comcast completes network expansion to rural residents as part of partnership with county
A public-private partnership between Clark County and Comcast has expanded high-speed broadband access to nearly 500 rural homes northeast of Battle Ground Lake. - City of Washougal seeking vendors for 2026 Community Market Season
The city of Washougal is inviting farmers, artisans, food vendors, and musicians to apply for the expanded 2026 Washougal Community Market season at Reflection Plaza. - Trophy games: Columbia River boys finish fifth, Evergreen girls take sixth at state tournaments
Columbia River’s boys and Evergreen’s girls both reached the final day of their state basketball tournaments, returning to Vancouver with fifth- and sixth-place trophies. - Opinion: Gov. Ferguson has abandoned his own tax relief demands
Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues that Gov. Bob Ferguson’s support for the state’s proposed income tax contradicts his earlier demands for broader taxpayer relief. - Debate grows as states consider teacher strike bans
Lawmakers in several states are considering new laws affecting teacher strikes as debates grow over labor rights and disruptions to public education. - WA GOP lawmakers press schools chief on gender identity disclosure policies
Washington House Republicans are asking Superintendent Chris Reykdal to explain state guidance on gender identity disclosure following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
wpDiscuz
