Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder and CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), succumbed to his wounds late Wednesday after being critically injured by a shot to the neck during a presentation at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. According to reports, a suspect was detained by authorities.
The incident occurred around noon local time as part of Kirk's "American Comeback Tour," a campus debate series where students challenge his conservative views on topics like free speech and cultural issues. Eyewitnesses reported chaos, with attendees screaming amid the gunfire, and Kirk was quickly evacuated by his security team.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the shooting on his Truth Social account, writing: "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!" X CEO Elon Musk posted shortly after the incident, "The left is the party of murder."
A few hours after the initial reports came, Trump added, "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!"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on his X account shortly after the incident, writing: "Praying for Charlie Kirk." Joining his well-wishes was Natioanal Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who wrote, "Like many others, I am devastated by the shooting and praying for Charlie Kirk.
FBI Director Kash Patel referred to the incident and said an investigation is ongoing. "We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation."
Born in 1993 in the Chicago suburbs, Kirk dropped out of community college to launch TPUSA in 2012 at age 18, building it into the nation's largest conservative youth organization with millions in funding from donors like Foster Friess.
As host of "The Charlie Kirk Show" podcast and a prominent Trump ally, he has mobilized students against "leftist indoctrination" on campuses, often sparking protests. A vocal evangelical Christian, Kirk has long championed pro-Israel causes, visiting the country in 2019 for a fact-finding tour that deepened his advocacy.
He routinely defends Israel's right to exist in debates, condemns antisemitism and highlights U.S.-Israel alliances on his platforms, positioning TPUSA as a counter to anti-Israel activism amid the ongoing Gaza war. Utah Sen. Mike Lee urged prayers for Kirk, and no suspect details have emerged as the investigation unfolds.
First published: 22:12, 09.10.25