OREM, UT—In a shocking development that has sent ripples across the political landscape, conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, while speaking at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University (UVU).
The incident, which occurred during a stop on his “American Comeback Tour,” led to an immediate lockdown of the campus as law enforcement responded to the scene. Kirk was taken to a nearby hospital, and while a spokesperson for Turning Point USA confirmed the shooting, his condition remains unknown.
Authorities have confirmed a suspect is in custody, though their identity and the motive for the attack have not yet been released. The event was sponsored by the university’s Turning Point USA chapter and was attended by a large crowd of students and supporters.
The news has drawn immediate reactions from political figures and renewed conversations about political discourse and safety on college campuses.
What Happened at UVU?
The shooting took place in the afternoon as Charlie Kirk was speaking to a crowd of students and supporters under a large tent set up on the campus. The event was part of his “American Comeback Tour,” which features his popular “Prove Me Wrong” format where he debates attendees on a variety of political and cultural issues.
Videos posted to social media show the moments leading up to and immediately following the shooting. In the footage, Kirk is seen seated, speaking into a microphone, when a single shot rings out. The sound is followed by immediate chaos, with people in the crowd screaming, “Run, run, run!” and dispersing in a panic.
The video shows Kirk reacting to the shot, grabbing his neck, and then being attended to by individuals on the stage before being swiftly taken from the location by his security detail.
Utah Valley University immediately issued an alert to the campus community, confirming that a shot had been fired at a visiting speaker. In a subsequent statement, the university noted that a suspect had been taken into custody and that campus police were investigating the incident.
The university’s official statement and alert system played a crucial role in managing the initial response and securing the area. The identity of the suspect has not been made public, and authorities have yet to provide details on the nature of Kirk’s injuries or his current medical status.
Who Is Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk is a prominent figure in American conservative youth politics. Born in 1993, he co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012 with Bill Montgomery. The organization’s stated mission is to “identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.”
Since its inception, TPUSA has grown into one of the largest and most influential conservative youth organizations in the United States, with a presence on high school and college campuses nationwide.
Kirk’s rise to prominence has been rapid. He became a significant voice in conservative media, hosting “The Charlie Kirk Show” and becoming a frequent commentator on news networks. His “American Comeback Tour” is a key part of his outreach efforts, taking his message and his “Prove Me Wrong” format directly to college campuses.
These events often draw large, enthusiastic crowds but also spark significant controversy. Student groups and local activists frequently organize counter-protests, citing what they view as Kirk’s divisive and inflammatory rhetoric.
For his supporters, however, he is a champion of free speech and a necessary voice for conservative students on what they perceive to be overwhelmingly liberal campuses.
Reactions from Political Figures
The news of the shooting elicited a swift and unified response from political figures across the spectrum, with many condemning the act of political violence and offering prayers for Kirk.
- Vice President J.D. Vance took to social media, writing, “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
- Utah Senator Mike Lee posted that he was “tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely” and requested prayers for Kirk and the students gathered at the event.
- Utah Governor Spencer Cox was also quick to respond, stating on X that he had been “briefed by law enforcement” and that “violence has no place in our public life.” He urged “Americans of every political persuasion” to condemn the act.
- President Donald Trump shared a message on Truth Social, calling for prayers for Kirk, whom he described as “a great guy from top to bottom.”
- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a statement condemning the violence, emphasizing that “political violence is NEVER acceptable.”
- California Governor Gavin Newsom, a political opponent of Kirk, also condemned the attack, calling it “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
The widespread condemnation from a diverse range of political leaders highlights a rare moment of bipartisan agreement on the unacceptable nature of political violence.
Campus Security and Broader Concerns
The shooting at Utah Valley University underscores the complex and escalating challenges surrounding campus security, particularly when controversial public figures are invited to speak.
While American universities are meant to be hubs of free expression and debate, the increasing polarization of political discourse has created an environment where such events can become high-stakes security concerns.
The incident is a stark reminder of the broader trend of rising threats against public officials and figures, a phenomenon that has been documented by various security organizations.
University campuses, with their open, expansive layouts and large, porous populations, present unique security challenges. Unlike controlled, ticketed venues, outdoor campus events can be difficult to secure completely, making both speakers and attendees vulnerable.
Administrators and law enforcement agencies face a difficult balancing act: upholding the principle of free speech while ensuring the safety of their students, faculty, and visiting speakers.
The Utah Valley University shooting will undoubtedly lead to renewed scrutiny and a re-evaluation of security protocols for similar events nationwide.
Investigation Updates
The investigation into the shooting is in its early stages, and many questions remain unanswered. As of now, the most crucial missing details are:
- The identity of the suspect and any potential connection to the university or a political organization.
- The motive behind the shooting. Was it a targeted attack based on Kirk’s political views, a random act of violence, or something else entirely?
- Charlie Kirk’s medical condition. Updates on his health are still pending from his family, his organization, or the hospital where he is being treated.
- Details of the arrest. Authorities have only confirmed that a suspect is in custody and have not provided further information on how the arrest was made.
This is a developing story, and more information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses. Official statements from law enforcement agencies, including local police and potentially the FBI, will be critical in piecing together the events of the day and understanding the full scope of the incident.
The shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, is a significant and disturbing event that highlights the volatile nature of contemporary political debate.
While the immediate facts are clear—a prominent conservative speaker was shot, a suspect is in custody, and he has been hospitalized—the full picture is still emerging. The incident has been met with a near-unanimous chorus of condemnation from political leaders, a testament to the shared concern over the rise of political violence.
This event will serve as a flashpoint for discussions about the safety of public figures, the role of universities in hosting controversial speakers, and the boundaries of political expression in an increasingly divided nation. We will continue to update this article as new information becomes available from official sources.
