Orem, Utah – September 10, 2025 — Conservative activist and commentator Charlie Kirk was shot during a public event at Utah Valley University on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred during Kirk’s ongoing “American Comeback Tour,” a series of campus speaking engagements across the country.
Eyewitnesses report that a single gunshot rang out around 12:10 p.m. local time while Kirk was addressing a crowd under a large outdoor tent. Video footage shows Kirk suddenly reacting to the shot and collapsing, with visible blood near his neck. Chaos erupted as audience members screamed and fled the scene.
Campus police and emergency medical personnel responded within minutes. Kirk was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains under medical care. As of this writing, his condition has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Law enforcement sources have confirmed that a suspect is in custody, described as an older male. The motive remains unclear. The FBI and ATF have joined local authorities in the investigation, and a section of the campus remains cordoned off.
Following the attack, Utah Valley University issued a shelter-in-place order and cancelled all classes for the remainder of the day. University officials have expressed shock and are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
Prominent political figures across the spectrum have responded to the news. Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, calling Kirk “a great patriot and a good man.” Vice President J.D. Vance and Utah Senator Mike Lee also issued public statements offering prayers and support. Meanwhile, others—including California Governor Gavin Newsom—have condemned the attack as an unacceptable act of political violence.
Charlie Kirk, 31, is the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization with a strong presence on college campuses.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as new information becomes available.
