Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization, was shot dead after receiving a wound to the neck at a college in Utah. He was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. After the shooting, which occurred at 12:20 pm MDT. Kirk was rushed to a local hospital, but doctors were unable to save him.
Under a tent in the campus courtyard, Kirk was hosting a debate sponsored by his organization as part of his The Great American Comeback Tour. The shooting suspect has not been apprehended, despite the University’s comments to the contrary. University officials announced that the campus has been closed and classes cancelled until further notice.
About Charlie Kirk
Turning Point, which was started by Kirk when he was 18, is a nationwide right-wing political organization that boasts more than 850 campus affiliates. It sends conservative speakers to college campuses and hosts large young people conferences for discussions on political issues such as economics, immigration, and race. He is credited with turning out the youth vote for President Trump in the 2024 election. Donald Trump Jr. has called him a “rockstar” of the MAGA Movement.
Mr. Kirk kicked off his fall 14-city The American Comeback Tour this month and was scheduled to visit campuses nationwide, including Colorado State, the University of Minnesota, and Montana State, to hold discussions about his brand of conservative politics.
Reactions
Several prominent national leaders reacted to the death of Charlie Kirk. President Trump posted on Truth Social.
“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!”
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) shared his comments on X.
Charlie Kirk was an American patriot, an inspiration to countless young people to stand up and defend the timeless truths that make our country great. This murder was a cowardly act of violence, an attack on champions of freedom like Charlie, the students who gathered for civil debate, and all Americans who peacefully strive to save our nation. The terrorists will not win. Charlie will. Please join me in praying for his wife, Erika, and their children. May justice be swift.”
The Investigation
Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X that agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were on the scene. Authorities are actively searching for the shooter, and a motive has not yet been disclosed.
