Conservative political activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on Wednesday, September 10th, during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The shooting occurred during a “Prove Me Wrong” debate as a part of his “American Comeback Tour,” shortly after he began speaking. Witnesses reported seeing Kirk recoil as the gunshot struck his neck, prompting panic among the crowd.
President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death at 4:40 p.m., posting on social media that “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead…” and extending sympathies to his wife Erika and family. Law enforcement and federal agents—including the FBI and ATF—are investigating the incident. While someone was initially briefly detained, authorities later clarified that no confirmed suspect is in custody.
Political leaders across the spectrum condemned the violence, calling the shooting a tragic escalation of political tensions.