Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative commentator and co-founder of Turning Point USA, is in critical condition after being shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday. The incident, which unfolded in front of a live audience, has sparked widespread shock and a wave of public prayers from national leaders and supporters.
Chaos at a Campus Tour Stop
The shooting occurred around 12:20 p.m., just minutes after Kirk began addressing students under a white pop-up tent as part of his American Comeback Tour. According to UVU spokesperson Ellen Treanor, shots were fired from a building roughly 200 yards away. “To the best of our knowledge, the individual was hit and was taken away immediately by his security personnel,” she said.
Video footage circulating online shows the moment the shot rang out, prompting attendees to scatter as panicked voices shouted, “Run, run, run!” Campus police, working with Orem city authorities, confirmed that an initial suspect was detained but later released. As of late Wednesday, no one was in custody.
The university announced that its campus would remain closed until further notice while the investigation continues. Students still on campus were instructed to follow police directions.
A Controversial Figure Targeted
Kirk had been scheduled to speak at UVU before heading to Utah State University later this month. His nationwide campus tour is designed to challenge what he describes as “left-wing indoctrination in academia” and encourage free speech activism.
Just hours before the attack, Kirk had shared an upbeat message with followers on social media, writing: “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.” The post has since been deleted.
Kirk’s events often draw both large crowds of supporters and organized protests from student groups critical of his positions. His visit to Utah was no exception, with petitions filed in advance urging the university to cancel his appearance.
National Leaders React
News of the shooting triggered swift reactions from political leaders and allies across the country. Former President Donald Trump wrote: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Vice President J.D. Vance echoed the sentiment on X (formerly Twitter), calling Kirk “a genuinely good guy and a young father.” Utah Senator Mike Lee said he was closely monitoring the situation and urged people to keep Kirk and the students in their prayers.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also weighed in, describing Kirk as “an incredible Christian, American, and human being” while asking for “the healing hand of Jesus Christ” to be upon him.
Even the U.S. Secret Service issued a statement of sympathy, underscoring that the safety of political figures remains a top priority. While reaffirming heightened protections for former President Trump, the agency declined to disclose details about its methods, citing operational security.
What Comes Next
As Kirk remains hospitalized, the incident raises urgent questions about campus security, political polarization, and the safety of public figures during live events. For now, UVU’s community—and a national audience—waits anxiously for updates on his condition.
The shooting marks a violent turn for what was meant to be the relaunch of Kirk’s tour, spotlighting both the risks tied to America’s fraught political climate and the resilience of those determined to speak out in it.
