KUALA LUMPUR — Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead today while addressing an audience at Utah Valley University.
Authorities are labeling the incident as a political assassination, reportedly carried out from a rooftop.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the event as “a dark day for our state and a tragic day for our nation,” promising that those responsible would be held accountable in a state that enforces the death penalty.
Footage from the event captured Kirk, 31, being shot in the neck while speaking during a debate organised by his nonprofit. Chaos ensued as attendees screamed and fled the scene.
The shooter, who was dressed in dark clothing, fired from a rooftop overlooking the Sorensen Center courtyard, according to police statements reported by AP.
As of now, no arrests have been made, although a person of interest was questioned and subsequently released.
The FBI has joined local law enforcement in the ongoing search for the suspect.
This incident highlights the rising dangers of political violence in the United States and has drawn bipartisan condemnation.
Trump referred to Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom” in a video message from the White House, attributing the hostility to the “radical left.”
In response to the shooting, Utah Valley University evacuated and closed its campus, canceling classes until further notice.
Kirk’s event, part of his “American Comeback Tour,” had sparked controversy on campus, with nearly 1,000 signatures collected on an online petition opposing his visit.
However, the university upheld his right to free speech, emphasising its commitment to open dialogue. – September 11, 2025