Conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and father of two, was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He was 31.
Trump Confirms Kirk’s Death
News of Kirk’s death spread rapidly after former President Donald Trump posted a tribute on Truth Social.
“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,” Trump wrote. “Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Kirk was rushed to a hospital in critical condition after being struck, but did not survive, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.
Chaos on Campus
Video from the scene showed Kirk speaking under a white tent before the sudden crack of a gunshot sent the crowd fleeing. Screams of “Run, run, run!” could be heard as students scrambled for safety.
Treanor, a campus official, confirmed the shooting occurred around 12:20 p.m.
“At about 12:20 shots were fired from a building about 200 yards from the speaker. To the best of our knowledge, the individual was hit and was taken away immediately by his security personnel,” Treanor said. “The campus is closed for the day.”
The university later issued a campus-wide alert stating: “A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now.”
FBI Confirms and Walks Back Custody Claim
Initially, the FBI said “the subject” of the shooting was in custody. But hours later, Director Kash Patel revealed that the person had been released.
“The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement,” Patel explained. “Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency.”
UVU Locked Down, Classes Cancelled
In a sweeping response, Utah Valley University shut down its campus and suspended all activity through Sept. 14.
“UVU campus is closed. Classes were cancelled. Those on campus, secure in place until police officers can escort you safely off campus. Police are currently going building to building escorting people off campus. Roads to campus are currently closed,” the school announced.
The university also said: “All classes (in-person or virtual), campus events, and administrative operations will be suspended during this time. Please plan accordingly and make any necessary adjustments to your schedules.”
Students were urged to call hotlines and use public transit to evacuate safely.
A Tour Cut Short
Kirk’s visit to Utah marked the kickoff of his American Comeback Tour, billed as a nationwide effort to “equip students with the tools to push back against leftwing indoctrination in academia and reclaim their right to free speech.”
In a since-deleted social media post just hours before his death, Kirk wrote: “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.”
He was also scheduled to appear later this month at Utah State University.
National Leaders React
The assassination drew swift condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum.
Former President Joe Biden wrote: “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
Former President Barack Obama said: “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
Former President George W. Bush called the attack “cold blooded,” saying: “Today, a young man was murdered in cold blood while expressing his political views. It happened on a college campus, where the open exchange of opposing ideas should be sacrosanct. Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public square. Members of other political parties are not our enemies; they are our fellow citizens. May God bless Charlie Kirk and his family, and may God guide America toward civility.”
Former President Bill Clinton also weighed in, writing: “I am saddened and angered by Charlie Kirk’s murder. I hope we all go through some serious introspection and redouble our efforts to engage in debate passionately, yet peacefully. Hillary and I are keeping Erika, their two young children, and their family in our prayers.”
Vice President J.D. Vance added on X: “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
Utah Senator Mike Lee echoed that sentiment, posting: “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called Kirk “an incredible Christian, American, and human being,” adding: “Prayers for Charlie Kirk. An incredible Christian, American, and human being. May the healing hand of Jesus Christ be upon him.”
The U.S. Secret Service issued its condolences as well: “The safety and security of our protectees is the U.S. Secret Service’s top priority. President Trump receives the highest levels of U.S. Secret Service protection and the agency adjusts our protective posture as needed to mitigate evolving threats,” they said. “Out of concern for operational security, we cannot discuss the means and methods used for our protective operations.”
A Family Left Behind
Kirk married former Miss Arizona USA Erika Frantzve in 2021. Together, they have two children, a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.
Beyond his political activism, Kirk was a bestselling author and host of The Charlie Kirk Show podcast, which has been downloaded more than 120 million times in the past year and consistently ranks among the top 10 shows on Apple Podcasts.
His books include The MAGA Doctrine: The Only Ideas that Will Win the Future, among others.