Charlie Kirk, the prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday evening after being shot in the neck during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, hospital officials confirmed.
The 31-year-old activist, a key ally of President Donald Trump, succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at a nearby hospital in critical condition.
The shooting occurred around 12:20 p.m. local time at the university’s Sorensen Center courtyard, where Kirk was hosting a Q&A session as part of his “American Comeback Tour” and signature “Prove Me Wrong” debate segment.
Kirk was seated under a white tent emblazoned with Turning Point USA slogans when a single gunshot rang out from approximately 200 yards away, originating from the nearby Losee Center building.
Video footage circulating on social media captured the moment: Kirk recoiled in his chair, clutching his neck as blood gushed from the left side, before collapsing as panicked attendees screamed and fled the scene.
Heartbreaking graphic footage of the moment Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck—shocking and terrifying.
Praying for his swift recovery and strength for his family. Let’s all send prayers for Charlie Kirk. #CharlieKirk #Prayers pic.twitter.com/fBXmi2khDi
— Alicia Powe (@aliciapoweshow) September 10, 2025
The event drew an estimated 1,000 students and supporters, many of whom had gathered for Kirk’s combative style of engaging young conservatives on topics like politics and culture.
Just moments before the shot, Kirk was responding to a student’s question about mass shootings involving transgender individuals, replying, “Too many,” before a follow-up query on overall mass shootings. “Before he could even answer, we heard a gunshot,” one witness, student Emily Pitts, told reporters. “His neck turned to the side, and blood poured out immediately.”
Kirk was rushed to a local hospital by his security team, where he underwent emergency surgery.
🚨BREAKING VIDEO: Charlie Kirk is seen being rushed away from the scene after the attempted assassination pic.twitter.com/rMp0fZ1kUg
— The Patriot Oasis™ (@ThePatriotOasis) September 10, 2025
A Turning Point USA spokesperson, Andrew Kolvet, initially described his condition as “critical” and later confirmed his death to family and close associates.
Kirk’s wife and two young children were present at the event but unharmed, according to university officials.
Law enforcement responded swiftly, evacuating the campus and locking down the area.
The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, is assisting local authorities in the investigation, with agents on scene to probe potential motives.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated, “Violence has no place in our public life,” vowing that the perpetrator would be “held fully accountable.”
The incident prompted immediate bipartisan outrage. President Trump posted on Truth Social: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Vice President JD Vance echoed the sentiment, calling Kirk “a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the act as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” while Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene urged prayers for Kirk’s family.
Kirk rose to prominence as a teenage conservative activist, founding Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18 while still in high school in the Chicago suburbs.
The nonprofit organization quickly became a powerhouse in mobilizing young Republicans on college campuses, promoting free-market principles, Second Amendment rights, and opposition to “woke” ideologies.
By 2025, Turning Point USA boasted millions in funding and chapters at hundreds of universities, playing a pivotal role in driving youth turnout for Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign.
Kirk, known for his sharp debates and viral “Prove Me Wrong” challenges, hosted the top-ranked “The Charlie Kirk Show” podcast, which had surpassed 750 episodes and reached millions weekly.
A staunch Trump supporter, he advised on youth outreach during the 2016 and 2020 elections and was often seen at rallies and White House events.
Despite his youth, Kirk authored best-selling books like The MAGA Doctrine and became a fixture in conservative media, frequently clashing with liberal students in high-profile campus confrontations.
His work extended beyond activism; Kirk was a vocal defender of gun rights, once stating in 2023 that gun-related deaths were “unfortunately worth it” to protect the Second Amendment—a stance that drew both praise from allies and sharp criticism from opponents.
Married with two children, Kirk often spoke about balancing family life with his high-stakes political career.
The shooting has shocked the political world, with Turning Point USA canceling upcoming tour stops and calling for unity against violence.
Investigations continue, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
This article originally appeared on Rift and is republished by The Noticer with permission.
