Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday at Utah Valley University in what authorities are calling a targeted political assassination. The 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder was speaking at an outdoor event when a single gunshot struck him in the neck, ending his life at a local hospital.
The shooting happened around 12:20 p.m. during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” appearance at the Orem campus. About 3,000 people had gathered for the event where Kirk was sitting under a tent debating with students on current affairs issues. Video from the scene shows Kirk reaching for his neck as blood gushed from the wound before he collapsed from his chair.
According to Fox News, Utah dispatch audio captured the frantic moments after the attack, revealing key details about the suspect. “He’s going to be wearing all black, black long gun, black tactical helmet, a black mask, possibly wearing a tactical vest and jeans,” a female dispatcher said over the radio, according to recordings. The call came in around 12:20 p.m., with dispatchers noting it was “unknown where the shooter went.”
FBI releases photos as manhunt continues
The suspected assassin remains at large despite an ongoing manhunt involving federal and state authorities. FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls confirmed investigators recovered a “high-powered, bolt-action rifle” in a wooded area along the shooter’s suspected escape route. The weapon and three unfired rounds inside were reportedly engraved with expressions related to transgender and antifascist ideology.
Authorities believe the shooter fired from the roof of the Losee Center, about 200 yards from where Kirk was speaking. After taking the shot, the suspect jumped from the building and fled into a nearby neighborhood. Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said the suspect appears to be “college-aged” and was able to “blend in” with the campus community.
The FBI released photos of a person of interest Thursday, asking for public help in identification. Political tensions have escalated significantly in recent years, with this incident marking another tragic example of violence targeting political figures. Two people were initially detained for questioning but were later released after investigators found no connection to the shooting.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the attack a “political assassination” and promised authorities would find the perpetrator. The campus remains closed through September 14 as the investigation continues. Kirk leaves behind a wife and two young children, with President Donald Trump calling him “a martyr for truth and freedom” in announcing his death to the nation. The conservative activist had been known for his controversial statements and campus debates across the country.
Published: Sep 12, 2025 08:50 am