Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA cofounder and executive director of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), has died at the age of 31 after being shot in the neck while speaking during his The American Comeback Tour stop at Utah Valley University.
Editor’s note: Footage found in the link below is graphic and disturbing.
Police report that the shooting happened at 12:20 p.m. M.D.T.
It was previously reported that a suspect was taken into custody, but according to Utah Valley University spokesperson Eleanor Treanor, authorities do not have a suspect in custody.
Treanor told BBC News, “At about 12:20 shots were fired from a building about 200 yards from the speaker. To the best of our knowledge, the individual was hit and was taken away immediately by his security personnel.”
Graphic spectator video uploaded to social media platforms shows Kirk on campus sitting at his “Prove Me Wrong” table taking questions. After finishing an open-mic question, a bullet appears to pierce Kirk’s neck. Kirk’s body immediately jolts and becomes lifeless as blood can be seen pouring from his neck.
Screams from the crowd could be heard as spectators began to run for cover.
The university posted on X that the “UVU campus is closed. Classes cancelled.” The university asked those still on campus to “secure in place until police officers can escort you safely off campus.” The university said, “We ask for your patience throughout this process. We are providing updates as best as possible. This is an ongoing and unfolding event.”
According to TPUSA representative Marina Minas, “[Kirk] was shot in the neck. He’s at the hospital. It doesn’t look good.”
Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin posted on social media that Kirk wife and children were on campus when Kirk was shot. “Pray for @charliekirk11, his wife Erika, their two children, and all who were present at Utah Valley University,” he wrote. “May God be with them. 🙏”
Utah Sen. Mike Lee posed on X, “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”
At 4:40 p.m. EST, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Kirk had succumbed to his injury and died. News outlets, including Real America’s Voice, have confirmed Kirk’s death.
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