OREM, Utah — September 11, 2025. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon while speaking at Utah Valley University, authorities said. He was 31.

The shooting happened just after 12:10 p.m. MDT during a stop on Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour.” 

Witnesses said he had only just begun addressing a crowd gathered near a “Prove Me Wrong” booth when the crack of a gunshot cut through the campus.

Kirk was hit in the neck and collapsed as students and attendees scrambled for cover. 

Paramedics rushed to the scene, but officials said he was pronounced dead within minutes. Investigators believe the shot was fired from a building about 200 yards away.

Campus police and sheriff’s deputies immediately detained several people for questioning, though all were released later in the day after being cleared. As of late Wednesday night, no arrests had been made and the search for a suspect continued.

Kirk launched Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was just 18 years old, building it into one of the most visible conservative youth organizations in the country. 

A frequent speaker and podcast host, he was known for his sharp commentary and combative style, particularly on college campuses where his group often sparred with critics.

News of his death sparked shock and anger across the political spectrum. Turning Point USA called the killing “a devastating loss for the conservative movement,” while lawmakers from both parties condemned the violence and urged for answers.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump expressed his grief about the killing of Charlie Kirk.

"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 wrote on his social media platform.

Authorities have not released a motive and asked the public to share any information that could help the investigation. 

Utah Valley University canceled classes for the rest of the week and made grief counselors available to students and staff.

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