Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA, was rushed to hospital in critical condition on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, after being shot during a college event in Utah, officials told The Associated Press. A suspect is in custody.
UPDATE: The latest reports coming from Utah indicate Charlie Kirk died in hospital. He was 31 years old.
Videos posted online show Kirk seated under a tent at Utah Valley University, speaking into a microphone when a single gunshot rang out. He immediately clutched the left side of his neck as blood streamed down, while the crowd screamed and scattered.
Reports verified the video’s location as the Sorensen Center courtyard on the university’s campus.
Graphic Content Disclaimer: The video embedded in this article contains very graphic scenes of violence. It shows the moment Charlie Kirk was shot and seriously injured. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. This content may be disturbing, upsetting, or unsuitable for some audiences, including children.
How the shooting unfolded
Witnesses said the shot came during a debate hosted by Turning Point USA, Kirk’s nonprofit political group. The event had sparked controversy beforehand, with nearly 1,000 students signing a petition asking the university to cancel his appearance.
Administrators declined, citing freedom of speech and the university’s commitment to “intellectual inquiry and constructive dialogue.”
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who attended the event, told Fox News he heard one shot.
“It seemed like it was a close shot,” he said, adding that security at the event was limited.
“Utah is one of the safest places on the planet, and so we just don’t have these types of things.”
Turning Point USA confirmed the shooting in a statement.
“We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” said Aubrey Laitsch, the group’s public relations manager.
Political figures across the spectrum reacted online.
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social:
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers issued statements condemning the attack and offering support.
The incident comes at a time of heightened political violence in the United States. Other recent attacks include the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade, and an arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor’s residence.
Most notably, President Trump survived a shooting during a campaign rally in 2024.
Who is Charlie Kirk?
Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at just 18 years old with activist William Montgomery.
The group began by promoting low taxes and limited government on college campuses but grew in influence after it aligned itself with Donald Trump’s campaign in 2016.
Kirk became a visible figure on conservative television, often weighing in on cultural debates.
Turning Point USA has since hosted major conferences drawing high-profile Republican leaders.