Highlights:
- Charlie Kirk, 31, was killed by a rooftop sniper during a campus event.
- Donald Trump called Kirk “The Great, and even Legendary,” and ordered flags lowered until Sept 14.
- Utah Governor Cox called it a “political assassination” and urged Americans to reflect on rising violence.
- Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA, shaping youth support for Trump’s 2024 return to power.
- Politicians across the spectrum, including Biden, Harris, and Newsom, condemned the attack and called for unity.
Right-wing youth activist and influencer Charlie Kirk, a major ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in what authorities have described as a “political assassination.” The incident has sent shockwaves through the U.S. political establishment and sparked renewed calls for calm amid a polarizing national climate.
Shooting at Utah Valley University
Charlie Kirk, age 31, was targeted while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” Video footage from the scene showed Kirk addressing a crowd when a single gunshot rang out. Kirk appeared to collapse in his chair, leading to chaos and panic among attendees. Witness accounts described him being struck in the neck and quickly overwhelmed, as horrified audience members took cover and screamed.
According to investigators, the shot was fired from a campus rooftop by a person dressed in black, believed to be a calculated and targeted attack. Kirk’s wife and children were reportedly present at the time. University and police officials swiftly evacuated the area, and law enforcement teams—including the FBI and ATF—began a manhunt for the shooter, who is now in custody.
National reaction and condemnation
The killing prompted bipartisan outrage. President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on Truth Social, posting, “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 Trump’s sympathies were extended to Kirk’s wife Erika and family.
Trump also ordered flags on government buildings to be lowered to half-staff nationwide until September 14, stating, “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”.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the incident “a tragic day for our nation” and described it bluntly: “I want to be clear that this is a political assassination.” Cox urged Americans to reflect deeply on the state of the nation as it approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding: “We just need every single person in this country to think about where we are and where we want to be, to ask ourselves: Is this what 250 years has wrought on us?”
Eyewitness accounts and scene details
Former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz, present at the rally, recounted, “First question was about religion. He went on for about 15-20 minutes. Second question, interestingly, was about transgender shooters, mass shooters, and in the midst of that, the shot rang out… As soon as that shot went out, he fell back. Everybody hit the deck... a lot of people started screaming, and then everybody started running”.
Kirk had been interacting with students in a “Prove Me Wrong” style debate when the attack occurred. The event immediately ended, and campus security moved quickly to clear the area amid widespread panic.
Kirk’s influence and legacy
Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, seeking to energize conservative young people and shift Republican strategies toward a younger demographic. His influence is widely credited for boosting Trump’s popularity with younger voters, a critical factor in the Republican’s recent return to power.
Kirk was recognized for his showmanship, social media reach, and willingness to tackle divisive topics such as immigration and gun policy. His efforts were seen on the right as a counterpoint to liberal dominance in higher education, though they also provoked fierce opposition.
Calls for calm across the political spectrum
The shooting provoked horror and condemnation from leaders across the political divide.
Vice President J.D. Vance posted, “Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour,” alongside a photo with Kirk and Donald Trump Jr.
Right-wing media figure Tomi Lahren called Kirk “visionary.”
Left-leaning leaders also spoke out. Former president Joe Biden wrote, “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now.” California Governor Gavin Newsom called the attack “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” and Vice President Kamala Harris said, “political violence has no place in America.” Gabrielle Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt, said, “Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence”.
