Update: President Donald Trump announced on September 10, 2025, that conservative activist Charlie Kirk had died following the shooting at Utah Valley University.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“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!”
This statement came hours after the incident, confirming Kirk’s death at age 31 from the neck wound sustained during his “American Comeback Tour” event.
A single gunshot pierced the air at Utah Valley University, striking conservative activist Charlie Kirk in the neck and sending shockwaves through a packed campus event. The incident unfolded on September 10, 2025, around noon local time in Orem, Utah, during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour.” The 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA was engaging students in a “Prove Me Wrong” Q&A session under a large white tent in the university courtyard when the attack occurred.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. About 20 minutes into the session, a shot rang out from a nearby building. Kirk grabbed his neck and collapsed as security rushed him offsite. Screams erupted, and students scattered, with videos capturing the panic. University police quickly detained a male suspect at the scene, who was seen in footage stating his right to remain silent as officers handcuffed him. Early speculation on social media suggested the shooter is a registered Democrat, but authorities have not confirmed this or released the suspect’s identity, age, or background.
Kirk, a prominent conservative and Trump ally, was speaking on political topics, possibly including transgender issues, when the shot was fired. The motive remains unclear, and the investigation, led by UVU Police with FBI support, is ongoing. No other injuries were reported, and the campus briefly locked down before resuming normal operations.
Law enforcement at Utah Valley University has detained a man in connection with the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, but officials now say he is not the actual gunman, leaving the real suspect still at large as of September 11, 2025.
Initial university alerts claimed a suspect was in custody, and social media quickly filled with footage of an older man—described by witnesses as in his late 50s or 60s, wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and possibly a worker’s uniform—being tackled and handcuffed on the ground. In the video, the man can be heard saying,
“I have the right to remain silent,”
As officers restrained him right in front of some attendees. Eyewitnesses, including students and local reporters, initially pointed to him as the shooter, claiming he had fired before being subdued.
However, university spokesperson Scott Trotter clarified later that police determined this individual was not involved after reviewing evidence. The actual shooter remains unidentified and uncaptured, with UVU Police leading the search alongside the FBI and other agencies.
Kirk was rushed to a nearby hospital, likely Intermountain Utah Valley Hospital in Provo. His condition is stable, but no detailed updates on his recovery have been shared. Turning Point USA confirmed he was shot but offered no further comment on his health. Kirk, a young father, has received an outpouring of support from figures like Vice President JD Vance, who called for prayers, and Utah Senator Mike Lee, who expressed concern for Kirk and the students.
