Orem, Utah — Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of former President Donald Trump who energized a generation of young Republicans, was shot and killed Wednesday in what Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called a “political assassination.”
The 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA was addressing a crowd of thousands at Utah Valley University when a single gunshot struck him in the neck, sending students and supporters into chaos. Authorities said the shooter fired from a rooftop overlooking the Sorensen Center courtyard before escaping.
“This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation,” Cox said at a press conference. “I want to be very clear — this was a political assassination.” He vowed the suspect would be brought to justice in a state that still enforces the death penalty.
No suspect was in custody late Wednesday, though police confirmed they were searching for a new person of interest. Two individuals detained earlier in the day were released after being cleared of involvement.
Videos verified by The Associated Press show Kirk engaging with an audience member about gun violence just moments before the fatal shot. When asked about the number of transgender mass shooters, Kirk replied, “Too many.” He was in the middle of answering a follow-up question when the bullet struck.
Trump, who called Kirk a “martyr for truth and freedom,” posted on social media that his friend and ally was “Great, and even Legendary.” In a later video message, Trump blamed the “radical left” for fueling the toxic climate that led to Kirk’s killing. He ordered flags lowered to half-staff nationwide.
Turning Point USA confirmed the event was the launch of Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour,” which had already stirred controversy on campus. Nearly 1,000 people had signed an online petition demanding administrators cancel his appearance. The university rejected the calls, citing the First Amendment and its commitment to “free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”
Utah officials said approximately 3,000 people were in attendance and six campus officers were assigned to the event, in addition to Kirk’s private security. The university was evacuated and remains closed, with classes suspended until further notice.
The shooting was condemned across party lines, though many conservatives pointed to an escalating atmosphere of hostility toward right-leaning voices.
“Charlie Kirk dedicated his life to speaking the truth boldly,” Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said. “His murder is a sobering reminder of where unchecked political hatred can lead.”
