Conservative activist Charlie Kirk (31), a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead while speaking to students at Utah Valley University on Thursday.
Kirk was addressing a youth rally under banners reading “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong” when a single gunshot struck him in the neck. Shocking video from the scene shows him clutching his wound as students screamed and fled.
Who Was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk (1993–2025) was a 31-year-old American conservative activist, commentator, and founder of Turning Point USA, a student-focused political organization.
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Born in Illinois, Kirk gained prominence as a teenager for his speeches promoting free markets and limited government.
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He built Turning Point USA into a nationwide network across hundreds of colleges, making him a central voice for young conservatives.
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A close ally of Donald Trump, Kirk was a frequent guest at rallies and on conservative media, often described as part of Trump’s “youth wing.”
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He hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, a popular podcast and radio program with millions of downloads, known for sharp political commentary.
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Married to Erika Frantzve, the couple had a young family at the time of his death.
Kirk’s supporters praised him as a charismatic voice for American youth, while critics accused him of fueling polarization. His sudden killing at a campus event has sent shockwaves through US politics, highlighting both his influence and the divisive times he represented.
President Trump confirmed Kirk’s death, calling him “a tremendous person” and ordering US flags flown at half-mast until Sunday.
“No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States better than Charlie,” Trump wrote.
He described Kirk as a “very, very good friend,” urging Americans to “pray for Charlie Kirk and his family.”
Suspect & Investigation
Initial reports said a man was detained at the scene. FBI Director Kash Patel posted online that the suspect was in custody.
Hours later, officials clarified that the person had been released after questioning.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said only “one person involved” is believed to be behind the attack, but confusion remains over whether the gunman is still at large.
Witness Accounts
Former Congressman Jason Chaffetz, present at the event, said Kirk had just taken a student’s question when the shot rang out.
“It wasn’t a hail of bullets. It was one shot,” he said, noting the light police presence.
Videos on social media captured chaos as students ducked, screamed, and ran across a nearby fountain to escape. Some tried to help Kirk, while others prayed at the scene.
Political leaders across the spectrum swiftly condemned the assassination.
Vice President JD Vance expressed anguish, posting a prayerful message: “Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, one of Kirk’s longtime allies in conservative circles, urged that disputes in American politics should be settled “through debate, not violence.” From the other side of the aisle, California Governor Gavin Newsom denounced the shooting as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
while former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared that “political violence has absolutely no place in our nation.”
The unified chorus of condemnation reflected the deep shock that Kirk’s killing has sent through both parties, underlining the growing fears over escalating violence in American political life.
Utah Valley University, with nearly 47,000 students, was shut down under tight security. The event had already drawn controversy, with nearly 1,000 students petitioning to bar Kirk from speaking. Administrators defended the appearance as free speech.
