A memorial for Charlie Kirk.
Credits: Reuters photo
Charlie Kirk, popular conservative activist in the United States and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. He was 31-years-old. The killing of the Turning Point USA founder, who was a hero of sorts to the American right wing and a target for critics, has sent shockwaves through the US political landscape.
Here are 10 things to know about the incident and its aftermath:
1. The shooting
Kirk was on stage at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, addressing a crowd of about 3,000 people as part of his American Comeback Tour. Around 20 minutes into the event, a gunshot rang out. Videos circulating online show Kirk clutching his neck before collapsing from his chair, sending the audience into panic.
2. What led up to the attack
Moments before the gunfire, Kirk was taking questions at his “Prove Me Wrong” debating table. He was responding to a student’s query about mass shootings and transgender people when he was struck in the neck. His wife and children were in the audience at the time.
3. Where it happened
The fatal shot was fired while Kirk sat in the courtyard of Utah Valley University, about 64 km (40 miles) south of Salt Lake City. Investigators believe the bullet came from the roof or a window of the Losee Center building, located roughly 180 metres away.
4. Who was Charlie Kirk
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA at just 18, building it into the country’s most influential conservative youth organisation. Known for his combative style, he became a central figure in the pro-Trump movement, boasting 5.2 million followers on X and hosting a popular podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show. He was also a fixture on Fox News and authored The MAGA Doctrine in 2020.
5. Kirk’s political influence
Trump often credited Kirk with energising young voters and expanding his appeal among voters of colour during the 2024 campaign. Kirk was also close to Donald Trump Jr and an early backer of Vice President JD Vance. While he never sought a formal role in government, he repeatedly said his mission was to “transform the culture.”
6. The shooting suspect
Initial reports suggested a “person of interest” was in custody. However, FBI director Kash Patel later confirmed that the individual had been released after questioning. Authorities described the shooter as dressed in dark clothing and said only one round was fired.
7. Security at the event
Six police officers were on duty during Kirk’s talk, in addition to his private security team. Despite the heavy presence, the single gunshot proved fatal.
8. The immediate aftermath
The university shut down within half an hour of the attack. Students were told to shelter in place until they could be escorted off campus safely. Classes have been suspended indefinitely as investigations continue.
9. Political reactions
Condemnations poured in from across the political spectrum. Trump ordered US flags to be lowered to half-staff until Sunday. Former President Joe Biden wrote that “there is no place” for such violence. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the killing a “political assassination,”, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned Kirk as a “lion-hearted friend of Israel.”
10. A nation on edge
Kirk’s death adds to a series of high-profile political attacks in recent years, deepening the sense of instability in a sharply polarised America. For many of his supporters, his killing is not just the loss of a leader, but of a symbol of their movement.