Charlie Kirk, 31, was killed at Utah Valley University

Charlie Kirk handing out hats before his assassination at Utah Valley University Photo Credit: Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP

In a shocking event yesterday, Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University.

This incident occurred on September 10^th, approximately 12:20 PM. Kirk was kicking off a planned tour called “The American Comeback Tour,” which would travel from Colorado to Virginia. About 3,000 attendees showed up to this event. A mix of supporters and protesters.

Before being killed, Kirk was in a debate with an individual about gun violence and mass shootings. The question the individual asked Kirk was, “Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” Kirk responded, “Too many.” The questioner followed up his question with “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?” Kirk responded to the questioner, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” immediately after he was shot, and later announced dead. In a post today, President Trump announced the death after reports from the hospital that Kirk was in critical condition.

Kirk giving a speech at his Turning Point USA campaign rally on October 24^th, 2024. Photo Credit: AP Photo/John Locher

In a post to his Truth Social account, President Trump tweeted that “The great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” This act of violence comes after the murders of the Minnesota House Speaker, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark, in their Brooklyn Park home back in June of this year.

Kirk giving a campaign speech for the Presidential Candidate Trump during the 2024 2024 election. Photo Credit: Laura Segall/AFP/Getty Images

Recently, there has been an uptick in political violence against politicians in the United States. From an assassination attempt on the Pennsylvania governor, Josh Shapiro, to an attempted assassination on a presidential candidate and former president, Donald Trump, in Butler, Pennsylvania, back in July 2024. The Utah Governor, Spencer Cox, at a press conference discussing the ongoing investigation, stated that it was “a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation...I don't care what his politics was, I care that he was an American.” Kirk was a conservative figure in mainstream politics who founded Turning Point USA in 2012, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating conservative politics in public schools. Kirk was well known for his debates between college students and his political influence, helping to re-elect President Trump in 2024.

Charlie Kirk’s wife posts on Instagram with her children and Kirk. Photo Credit: Erika Kirk

Many politicians on Capitol Hill were shocked about the assassination, as this incident saw political unity on both sides of the political parties in solidarity for Charlie Kirk and his family.

The suspect is not in custody at this time. A search is underway for the suspect in Utah.