Conservative activist Charlie Kirk dies after being shot during Utah college event

Kirk was giving a presentation when shots were fired, reportedly hitting on his neck. According to his spokesperson, “to the best of our knowledge, he was hit and taken with his security team away from the premises.”

Charlie Kirk speaks before he is shot during Turning Point’s visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)

Trump, Vance urge followers to pray for Kirk

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Vice President JD Vance posted on X asking followers to pray for Kirk.

“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” Vance said.

Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour. pic.twitter.com/RqNYfHLs2b

— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 10, 2025

Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined the chorus of Trump officials offering their prayers to Kirk.

“We love you Charlie Kirk,” Kennedy wrote in a social media post. “Praying for you.”

Reports that Conservative influencer and personality Charlie Kirk has been shot in the neck during an event with Turning Point USA at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. pic.twitter.com/rvNkJjX8Xu

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) September 10, 2025

Shot during American Comeback Tour

Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization Kirk co-founded also confirmed that he has been shot while speaking at the “American Comeback Tour” event at Utah Valley University.

At least 14 other events are scheduled for the coming months, with “more to be announced soon,” according to Turning Point USA.

“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… pic.twitter.com/aM8Pz3TKml

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 10, 2025

“This is an ongoing situation. We can confirm that Charlie Kirk has been shot. He is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time,” Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA, said in a statement.

The crowd reacts after Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, is shot at the Utah Valley University Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)

“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” FBI Director Kash Patel said on X. “Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected.”

He said FBI agents will be on the scene quickly.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he is being briefed by law enforcement about the shooting.

The suspect has been taken into custody. A Utah Valley University spokesperson said the suspect was not a student.

Who is Charlie Kirk

Kirk has publicly supported conservative causes and aligned with Trump. He has spread Covid-19 misinformation, denounced critical race theory, and denied climate change.

According to CNN, Trump has previously praised Kirk as critical to his gains among young voters in last year’s presidential election.