Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred shortly after noon on the Orem campus, where Kirk was attending as a visiting speaker, and a single shot struck him, according to university officials.

A person of interest is in custody, though the investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are working to determine motive and gather evidence.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the shooting a "political assassination," highlighting the potentially targeted nature of the attack.


Turning Point USA confirmed that Kirk, 31, was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead. “With a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gun shot,” the organization said, urging supporters to keep his family in their prayers.

President Donald Trump posted on social media, saying, "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."

Other leaders, including Vice President JD Vance, Utah Sen. Mike Lee, and multiple governors, expressed shock and condemnation, describing the shooting as horrifying and unacceptable.


Authorities reported that the shot appeared to have been fired from a distance, potentially from a roof, and CCTV footage identified the suspect in dark clothing.

FBI and ATF agents have joined local law enforcement at the scene, and Director Kash Patel emphasized that “we are following all the leads and all the evidence,” as the investigation continues.

There is currently no evidence that anyone else was involved, and the person of interest initially questioned has been released, according to FBI sources.


Also read: President Trump responds to health rumors after sudden pause in public schedule

Utah Valley University closed its campus and canceled classes in response, while Vice President Val Peterson described the community as “shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Charlie Kirk.”

Kirk was a high-profile figure in conservative politics and a prominent ally of former President Trump, often referred to as the “Trump whisperer” for his influence with young voters.

He founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and helped mobilize high school and college-age conservatives, speaking at both the 2016 and 2020 Republican National Conventions.



The university event was part of the group’s “The American Comeback Tour,” which is planned to visit multiple campuses nationwide, including stops in Utah, Colorado, and Virginia.

Despite controversy surrounding his visit and prior petitions from students attempting to cancel the event, authorities had no specific threats on record before the shooting occurred.

The national response to Kirk’s death has been swift, with bipartisan condemnation emphasizing the need to reject political violence.


Also read: Court ruling could mean back pay for disabled workers denied unemployment benefits

Republican and Democratic leaders alike have called for unity in denouncing acts that target individuals for their beliefs, with many urging Americans to pray for Kirk’s family and young children.

President Trump ordered all American flags to be lowered to half-staff through Sunday evening in Kirk’s honor.

The tragedy has sparked renewed debate about campus security, political extremism, and the dangers of targeted attacks against public figures.

Read next: Is RFK Jr. in trouble? Over 1,000 health insiders demand his resignation
How do you think universities and law enforcement can better protect speakers and students during politically charged events, and what measures should be put in place to prevent similar tragedies? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below so that communities can discuss solutions to ensure safety while preserving free expression.