OREM, Utah — Conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah. The incident, which occurred around 12:20 p.m. MT, took place during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour,” a series of campus events aimed at engaging students in debate-style discussions. A suspect is in custody, and the university has been placed on lockdown as authorities investigate. (UPDATE/Correction: An older man was seen being arrested, but was later determined not to be involved in the shooting. The shooter is at large.)
According to university officials and eyewitness accounts, Kirk was approximately 20 minutes into his presentation, seated under a white tent with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong,” when a single gunshot rang out. Video footage circulating on social media shows Kirk recoiling after the shot, appearing to clutch his neck as blood poured out, before collapsing from his chair. The crowd of several thousand attendees scattered in panic, with screams and shouts of “Run!” echoing across the courtyard. UVU’s spokeswoman, Ellen Treanor, confirmed to multiple outlets that the shot was fired from the Losee Center, a building roughly 200 yards from the event site. Kirk was immediately rushed from the scene by his security team to a nearby hospital.
Details about Kirk’s condition remain unclear, with conflicting reports about the severity of his injuries. A spokesperson for Turning Point USA, Aubrey Laitsch, stated, “We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie.” A BBC report cited a spokesperson who suggested the situation “doesn’t look good,” though no official update on his status has been released by the hospital or Kirk’s team. The 31-year-old activist, a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump and a father of two, is known for his outspoken conservative views and his role in mobilizing young voters through Turning Point USA, which he co-founded in 2012.
The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation across the political spectrum. President Trump 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!” Vice President JD Vance echoed the sentiment on X, describing Kirk as “a genuinely good guy and a young father.” Democratic leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, also denounced the act, with Newsom calling it “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible” and Jeffries stating, “Political violence is NEVER acceptable.” Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a survivor of a 2011 assassination attempt, expressed horror, emphasizing that political disagreements must not lead to violence.
The incident occurred amidst a reported spike in political violence in the United States, including the July 2024 assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and other recent attacks targeting political figures. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene at UVU, with UVU professor Michael Andersen, who was about 50 feet away, initially mistaking the gunshot for a firework. Another witness, Justin Hickens, told NBC News he saw Kirk’s body “go limp” and noted a significant amount of blood. Hickens also reported seeing an elderly man with white hair being detained by police shortly after the incident, though authorities have not released details about the suspect’s identity or motive.
UVU issued a campus-wide alert, closing the university and canceling classes until further notice. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are on the scene, with FBI Director Kash Patel stating the agency is “closely monitoring” the situation and offering full support to the investigation. Utah Governor Spencer Cox, briefed by law enforcement, vowed that the attacker would be “held fully accountable” and condemned violence in public life.
Kirk’s event was part of Turning Point USA’s efforts to promote conservative values on college campuses, often sparking controversy. An online petition opposing his appearance at UVU had garnered nearly 1,000 signatures, citing his polarizing views, but the university defended his right to speak, emphasizing its commitment to free speech. Kirk, a vocal Trump ally with 5.2 million followers on X and 7.3 million on TikTok, has been a polarizing figure, known for his stances against climate change policies, DEI initiatives, and gender-affirming care, as well as his support for conspiracy theories during the 2020 election and the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the investigation continues, the nation awaits updates on Kirk’s condition. The shooting has reignited discussions about political violence and the safety of public figures in an increasingly polarized climate.
UPDATE: Charlie Kirk has died from his injuries. President Trump has announced.
UPDATE September 11, 2025: There is a person of interest the FBI and police are looking for. A reward of $100,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the man in the photo.
 |
UPDATE September 12, 2025: Suspect arrested.
On September 12, 2025, the suspect in the shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was apprehended after his father turned him in to authorities. The suspect, identified as 23-year-old James Thompson, was linked to the incident through evidence provided by his father, who contacted law enforcement after his son threatened to commit suicide. Authorities have not released further details about the motive or circumstances of the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing. Charlie Kirk is reported to be recovering, with no additional updates on his condition at this time. President Trump had announced it on Fox News.
Sources:
- Variety, September 10, 2025 [](https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/charlie-kirk-shot-debate-1236514470/)
- PBS News, September 10, 2025 [](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/conservative-activist-charlie-kirk-shot-at-utah-valley-university-event-spokesperson-says)
- Reuters, September 10, 2025 [](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/conservative-influencer-charlie-kirk-shot-utah-valley-university-event-2025-09-10/)
- AP News, September 10, 2025 [](https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd)
- BBC News, September 10, 2025 [](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c206zm81z4gt)
- KSL.com, September 10, 2025 [](https://www.ksl.com/article/51373274/charlie-kirk-reportedly-shot-while-speaking-at-uvu)
- Fox News, September 10, 2025 [](https://www.foxnews.com/us/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-event-hospitalized)
- The New York Times, September 10, 2025 [](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/09/10/us/charlie-kirk-shot-utah)
- CNN, September 10, 2025[](https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/charlie-kirk-shot-utah-09-10-25)
Updated Source 9/11/25"
