Charlie Kirk, an influential right-wing activist and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead while speaking at an event at a university in Utah on September 10, 2025. Kirk, aged 31, was presenting as part of his American Comeback tour at Utah Valley University when a gunman opened fire, believed to have aimed from a nearby rooftop.
Witnesses reported hearing a single shot during Kirk's interaction with the audience. Following the gunfire, Kirk collapsed in his chair with a visible neck wound and was immediately taken off the stage by staff as chaos erupted among the crowd, prompting people to flee in panic.
As authorities continue the search for the suspect, identified only as a potential college-age individual, the FBI released images of a person of interest and disclosed that a high-powered bolt-action rifle was found nearby. Officials revealed that the gun, a Mauser .30-06, was left wrapped in a towel, along with other evidence such as a palm print.
The incident has triggered national discussions about the increasing threat of political violence, as experts indicate a surge in politically motivated attacks in the U.S. this year compared to last. Kirk was known for his polarizing views and strong influence within conservative circles, having co-founded Turning Point USA, an organization aimed at promoting conservative ideology among college students.
Reactions to Kirk’s death have been profoundly mixed—while political allies like Trump called it a tragedy and ordered flags to fly at half-mast, others criticized the divisive rhetoric he often embodied. The fallout from this shooting has further accentuated the brutal landscape of American politics, where allegations of blame and celebration of violence have been swift and numerous, mirroring the deeply entrenched partisan divides.
Witnesses reported hearing a single shot during Kirk's interaction with the audience. Following the gunfire, Kirk collapsed in his chair with a visible neck wound and was immediately taken off the stage by staff as chaos erupted among the crowd, prompting people to flee in panic.
As authorities continue the search for the suspect, identified only as a potential college-age individual, the FBI released images of a person of interest and disclosed that a high-powered bolt-action rifle was found nearby. Officials revealed that the gun, a Mauser .30-06, was left wrapped in a towel, along with other evidence such as a palm print.
The incident has triggered national discussions about the increasing threat of political violence, as experts indicate a surge in politically motivated attacks in the U.S. this year compared to last. Kirk was known for his polarizing views and strong influence within conservative circles, having co-founded Turning Point USA, an organization aimed at promoting conservative ideology among college students.
Reactions to Kirk’s death have been profoundly mixed—while political allies like Trump called it a tragedy and ordered flags to fly at half-mast, others criticized the divisive rhetoric he often embodied. The fallout from this shooting has further accentuated the brutal landscape of American politics, where allegations of blame and celebration of violence have been swift and numerous, mirroring the deeply entrenched partisan divides.
