Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot During Campus Event in Utah

Orem, Utah (September 10, 2025) — Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist, was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University (UVU). The incident took place outdoors at about 12:20 p.m. local time during an event titled “Prove Me Wrong,” part of Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour.” Roughly 3,000 people were in attendance.

Authorities say a single shot struck Kirk in the neck. The bullet reportedly came from a rooftop roughly 200 yards (about 180 meters) away. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Law enforcement has recovered a bolt-action rifle from a wooded area near the university. Surveillance footage shows a person of interest—described as college-aged—wearing a black long-sleeve shirt with an American flag design, a dark hat, and sunglasses. Authorities also recovered physical evidence from the rooftop, including footwear and palm prints.

The FBI and the Utah Department of Public Safety have released these images and offered a reward of $100,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the shooting a “political assassination” and vowed that the responsible individual would be held accountable.

President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff and announced he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Trump and other political figures across party lines, including Democratic leaders, condemned the attack and called for unity against political violence.

Vice President J.D. Vance accompanied Kirk’s casket from Utah to Arizona aboard Air Force Two.