Turning Point USA founder in critical condition following shooting during campus speaking engagement in Orem, Utah
Incident Overview
Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m. local time. Kirk is reportedly in critical condition at a Utah hospital following the attack.
Videos posted to social media from the incident show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong” slogans when a single shot rang out. Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as blood gushes from the left side of his neck before stunned spectators begin screaming and running away.
Details of the Attack
The Shooting Sequence
Seconds before Kirk was shot, he was engaged in answering a question about transgender mass shooters in America during his signature “Prove Me Wrong” debate format. An audience member had asked Kirk about the number of transgender Americans who had been mass shooters over the last 10 years, to which Kirk responded, “Too many.”
The shooting occurred as Kirk was hosting his “Prove Me Wrong” segment, where he debates with people who challenge his views. A spokesperson for Utah Valley University confirmed that the suspect shot Kirk from the university’s Losee Center, roughly 200 feet away from where he was sitting.
Immediate Response
Kirk was immediately removed from the premises by his security team following the shooting. University officials confirmed that he was transported to a nearby hospital where he underwent surgery. Utah Valley University closed its campus immediately following the incident and canceled all classes until further notice, instructing everyone to leave campus immediately.
Investigation Status
Suspect Information
University spokesperson Scott Trotter released conflicting information about the suspect’s custody status. Initially, the university indicated that a suspect was in custody, but Trotter later clarified that the suspect is not yet in custody and that police are actively investigating.
Earlier reports from witnesses described seeing officers detaining an elderly gentleman with white hair who was reportedly screaming about his rights before being handcuffed and taken away. However, current official statements indicate uncertainty about whether this individual was connected to the shooting.
Federal Response
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the agency is monitoring the incident, stating: “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.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that FBI agents and Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms agents were dispatched to the shooting scene.
Political Reactions
Presidential and Administrative Response
President Donald Trump, with whom Kirk has maintained a close relationship, posted on Truth Social: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump had met with Kirk in the Oval Office as recently as late May 2025.
Vice President JD Vance, who has worked closely with Kirk and Turning Point USA, tweeted: “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and young father.” Vance shared a photo of himself with Kirk, Donald Trump Jr., and political aide Andy Surabian as part of his message requesting prayers.
Bipartisan Condemnation
The shooting drew swift condemnation from across the political spectrum:
Senator Bernie Sanders publicly denounced the attack, calling it “horrifying” and stating: “Political violence has no place in this country. We must condemn this horrifying attack. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris expressed being “deeply disturbed” by the shooting, writing: “Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family. Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom described the attack on Kirk as “disgusting, vile and reprehensible.”
About Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA
Kirk’s Background
Charlie Kirk, 31, founded Turning Point USA in 2012, transforming it into one of the most influential conservative youth organizations in the country. The Arizona-based organization aims to “identity, educate, train and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government” and claims to be active on more than 3,500 college campuses.
Turning Point USA has become a fundraising and organizational powerhouse for Trump in recent years and was influential in his 2024 presidential campaign. Trump has praised Kirk’s work, saying at a conference in Detroit: “Charlie Kirk is helping. He’s got his army of young people. These are young patriots.”
Personal Life
Kirk is married to Erika Kirk, who posted a biblical verse following the shooting: “Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Kirk is a father of two children.
The Event Context
American Comeback Tour
Kirk was at Utah Valley University for the first stop on Turning Point’s “American Comeback Tour,” a fall semester series of campus events. The university appearance was the first of 15 scheduled stops.
Shortly before the shooting, Kirk’s official X account had posted enthusiastically about the event: “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.”
Campus Controversy
The event had generated divided opinions on campus prior to Kirk’s arrival. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing had received nearly 1,000 signatures. Kirk was also scheduled to appear at Utah State University on September 30, where an online petition seeking to bar his appearance had garnered nearly 6,900 signatures.
Despite the controversy, the university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”
Security Concerns
Event Security Measures
Despite the large crowd Kirk drew to Utah Valley University, witness Tyler McGettigan reported being surprised that he didn’t encounter any security screening to enter the event. While the event required a ticket with a scannable code, McGettigan told NBC News that no one checked the barcode or QR code, and there was no security checkpoint. “It was literally, anyone could walk in if they wanted,” he said.
This lack of security screening has raised questions about protection protocols for high-profile political speakers at university events, particularly given the polarized political climate.
Witness Accounts
Eyewitness Testimony
Justin Hickens, who was approximately 20 yards from the shooting, provided a detailed account to NBC News: “We heard a big loud shot, I saw a bunch of blood come out of Charlie, I saw his body kind of kick back and go limp, and everybody dropped to the ground.” He described how people initially took cover before beginning to run when they realized no additional shots were being fired.
Conservative commentator Glenn Beck revealed that his daughter was present at the event and witnessed the shooting firsthand. Beck shared during The Megyn Kelly Show that his daughter was “about 10 feet away and saw everything.”
Broader Context of Political Violence
Recent Incidents
The shooting comes amid a documented spike in political violence across the United States affecting all parts of the ideological spectrum. Recent incidents include the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade demanding Hamas release hostages, and a fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor in April.
The highest-profile recent incident was the attempted assassination of President Trump during a campaign rally in 2024, which he survived with minor injuries.
Impact on Political Discourse
The shooting has reignited discussions about the safety of political figures and the need for enhanced security at public events. Young conservatives who regularly attend Turning Point USA events have expressed deep concern, with some comparing the atmosphere to the aftermath of the Trump assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
University Response and Campus Impact
Utah Valley University Actions
Utah Valley University, which calls itself Utah’s largest public university with more than 46,000 students, immediately implemented emergency protocols following the shooting. The campus was locked down, all classes were canceled, and at least 60 first responder vehicles blocked the campus entrance.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated he was being briefed by law enforcement following the shooting, writing on social media: “Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life.”
The Ongoing Investigation
Federal Involvement
The FBI’s involvement signals the federal government’s recognition of the incident’s potential national security implications. The agency’s quick response reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating attacks on political figures.
Questions Remaining
Several critical questions remain unanswered as the investigation continues:
- The exact identity and motivation of the shooter
- Whether this was a planned assassination attempt or an isolated incident
- The adequacy of security measures at the event
- Potential connections to broader threats against political figures
Celebrity and Public Figure Responses
Entertainment Industry
Actor Chris Pratt joined the growing chorus of public figures responding to the shooting, posting: “Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God help us.”
Political Allies
Multiple Trump administration officials and allies have expressed support, including Eric Trump, who wrote: “Charlie Kirk is a great friend and an amazing person! Lara, Luke, Carolina and I will be praying for him, his wife Erika and their 2 children.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described Kirk as “an incredible Christian, American, and human being,” adding: “May the healing hand of Jesus Christ be upon him.”
Medical Condition and Recovery
Current Status
Kirk remains in critical condition at a Utah hospital, with law enforcement officials confirming the severity of his injuries. The shot appeared to strike his neck area, and he was rushed into surgery immediately following the incident.
Details about his specific injuries and prognosis have not been released publicly, with his family and organization requesting privacy during this time.
Impact on Conservative Movement
Turning Point USA Response
Turning Point USA spokesperson Aubrey Laitsch confirmed the shooting and stated: “He is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time.” The organization has not yet announced whether other tour stops will be canceled or postponed.
Conservative media figure Jack Posobiec, a friend of Kirk, addressed the incident on his show, stating: “What I can say is that the movement that Charlie Kirk built, the movement that Turning Point USA built for 10 years, it will never stop, because the movement is built on truth, because the movement is built on what’s good.”
Looking Forward
Security Implications
This incident is likely to prompt a comprehensive review of security protocols for political speakers at university events. The apparent ease with which the shooter was able to approach within range of Kirk raises serious questions about threat assessment and protection measures.
Political Climate
The shooting occurs at a time of heightened political tensions in the United States, with concerns about political violence affecting figures across the ideological spectrum. The bipartisan condemnation of the attack suggests a recognition that such violence threatens democratic discourse itself.
Campus Free Speech
The incident may also impact future discussions about controversial speakers on college campuses, potentially affecting the balance between free speech protections and security concerns.
Conclusion
The shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University represents a troubling escalation in political violence that has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. As Kirk fights for his life in critical condition, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical risks faced by public figures in an increasingly polarized political environment.
The investigation continues as federal and local law enforcement work to apprehend the suspect and determine the motive behind this attack. The broader implications for political discourse, campus security, and the safety of public figures will likely be debated for months to come.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available about Kirk’s condition, the investigation’s progress, and any arrests in connection with the shooting.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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