Right-wing activist and media personality Charlie Kirk was shot to death during a college tour event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10.
Donald Trump confirmed Kirk had died shortly after news broke of the shooting. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump, 79, shared on Truth Social. “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.”
Kirk was at his signature “Prove Me Wrong” table as part of his American Comeback Tour when shots were fired at the campus in Orem, Utah.
A video posted via TikTok showed Kirk speaking to the crowd from under a white pop-up tent before he was seemingly shot in the side of the head or neck.
The crowd broke out in a panic and onlookers were heard shouting, “Run, run, run!”
A spokesperson with Utah Valley University police confirmed to CNBC that shots were fired during the event. “What we know currently is that Charlie Kirk was about 20 minutes into his presentation when we heard shots fired from a nearby building and to the best of our knowledge he was hit and taken with his security team away from the premises, and the courtyard was cleared,” a UVU spokeswoman told the outlet.
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The university also said that at least one shot was fired at Kirk, though not much else is known.
Shortly after news of the shooting began to circulate, Utah Senator Mike Lee took to X to address the situation. “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely,” he wrote. “Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”
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Additionally, Utah Governor Spencer Cox wrote via X, “I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today. We will continue to share updates.”
“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life,” Cox, 50, continued. “Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”
The event was part of Kirk’s American Comeback Tour, which is sponsored by his Turning Points USA organization. The organization’s mission is “to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government,” according to the TP USA website.
