Eyewitnesses reported that Charlie Kirk, 31, suffered a gunshot to the neck during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.
Videos show Kirk speaking into a microphone under a white tent marked “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong” when a single shot rang out.
Attendees rushed Kirk from the stage, and blood poured from the left side of his neck as he was taken for medical treatment.
Trump Announces Death and Offers Condolences
US President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on Wednesday, calling him “great, and even legendary” on his Truth Social platform.
Trump said, “No one understood the youth of the United States better than Charlie,” and expressed sympathy to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and family.
The president added that Kirk was loved and admired, particularly by himself, and emphasized the loss as profound for the nation.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Turning Point USA’s public relations manager, Aubrey Laitsch, confirmed the shooting and urged supporters to pray for Kirk.
Police initially detained a suspect following the incident, but later released the individual as law enforcement launched an ongoing investigation.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed federal agents are on-site to lead investigative efforts and monitor the unfolding situation.
Campus Reaction and Free Speech Debate
The event sparked divided opinions on campus, with an online petition urging university officials to bar Kirk from speaking, gathering nearly 1,000 signatures.
The university issued a statement citing First Amendment rights, reaffirming its commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.
Several Republican and Democratic officials condemned the shooting and offered prayers, emphasizing the importance of protecting civic discourse.
Political Leaders Respond
Utah Governor Spencer Cox pledged to bring the responsible party to justice after speaking with Trump regarding the shooting.
Senator Mike Lee called Kirk an “American patriot” and said, “The terrorists will not win. Charlie will. May justice be swift.”
Left-wing influencer Hasan Piker, scheduled to debate Kirk later this month, condemned the attack, warning others could become targets.
Piker expressed concern about potential vengeance attacks and the broader implications of political violence in the aftermath of the shooting.
Kirk’s Legacy in Conservative Politics
Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 with William Montgomery to advocate for limited government and low taxes on college campuses.
Although the organization initially grew slowly, it now reaches hundreds of thousands of students across the United States.
Kirk gained recognition for challenging liberal positions in academia, which drew support from influential conservative financiers.
After Donald Trump secured the GOP nomination in 2016, Turning Point actively backed his campaign. Kirk served as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr. during the general election.
Kirk frequently appeared on cable television, engaging in culture war debates and supporting Trump. Both Trump and his son often addressed Turning Point conferences in recognition of Kirk’s contributions.
Turning Point’s Influence
Under Kirk’s leadership, Turning Point became a major platform for conservative youth, shaping debates on politics, economics, and social issues.
Kirk’s work at Turning Point made him a prominent figure in US politics, particularly in shaping young conservatives and advocating for libertarian principles on college campuses.
His death leaves a significant void in the organization and conservative political circles, and supporters continue to call for justice while honoring his legacy.
