Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, 31, remains in critical condition following a shooting during a campus event on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. local time during the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour,” and has ignited a major law enforcement response.
The shooting took place outdoors at Utah Valley University as Kirk manned his “Prove Me Wrong” table under a white tent, engaging in a Q&A session with students. Videos circulating online captured Kirk speaking when a sudden, sharp crack echoed through the gathering. He immediately raised a hand to his neck, blood began to pour, and he collapsed backward, prompting chaotic evacuation by those in attendance.
Witnesses reported hearing the shot originate from a building roughly 200 yards away. Initially, campus and university police indicated that a suspect had been taken into custody. However, that individual was later cleared, and as of now no suspect is in custody.
Kirk was urgently transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition. A spokesperson for Turning Point USA somberly remarked, “it doesn’t look good.”
University and local authorities quickly locked down the campus—closing buildings, canceling classes, and ordering immediate evacuation.
Federal agents, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are on the scene assisting local police with the investigation into what officials describe as a deliberate and politically charged attack.
Political leaders across party lines expressed shock at the violence. Former President Donald Trump urged prayers and called Kirk “a great guy.” Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned political violence, stating it is “NEVER acceptable.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, and others also denounced the act and extended their thoughts to Kirk and campus attendees.
This incident is the latest in a troubling series of politically motivated attacks in recent years. Reuters reports the U.S. is experiencing its most sustained surge in political violence since the 1970s, with more than 300 incidents documented since the January 6 Capitol attack.
Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at just 18 years old. Since then, he has become a major conservative media presence, mobilizing young voters, advising Republican campaigns, and maintaining a massive social media following—over 5 million on X—as well as hosting a successful podcast and segments on national news channels.
UPDATE: Kirk has passed away.
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