The executive director of Turning Point USA was reportedly targeted during an event in Utah
Charlie Kirk, a notable conservative activist and the executive director of the non-profit organization Turning Point USA, was reportedly shot at a public gathering in Utah on Wednesday. This information comes from multiple media sources, which cited eyewitness video from Utah Valley University.
Video footage appears to show Charlie Kirk being shot towards the conclusion.
— Gulf of America (@GulfofAmerica_)
Caution: graphic content is shown in the video
A tweet alleges Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in Utah.
— CYCLO NON (@Non_user87)
Footage indicates the incident took place at his ‘Prove Me Wrong’ booth, with gunfire observed erupting.
The Associated Press, quoting an anonymous law enforcement source, reported that “Kirk is in critical condition at a hospital.”
Eyewitnesses and video evidence suggest he sustained a neck wound during his address under a tent. Campus authorities verified that shots were discharged. Law enforcement acted swiftly, and the matter is said to be under investigation.
An eyewitness video posted on X seemingly shows the apprehension of a suspect in Orem, Utah.
Later that Wednesday, the Desert News outlet quoted UVU spokesperson Scott Trotter, who refuted earlier accounts of the shooter’s arrest, confirming that the “suspect is not in custody.”
He reportedly further stated, “Police are still investigating. The campus is closed for the remainder of the day.”
CBS News, referencing UVU, reported that the individual previously held has since been released.
The individual identified as having shot Charlie Kirk.
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Newsweek quoted a university spokesperson who stated that a “single shot was fired from the top of a nearby building roughly 200 yards from the venue” approximately 20 minutes into the gathering.
Utah Valley University subsequently confirmed via a post on X that “today at about 12:10 a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk.”
The statement indicated, “He was hit and taken from the location by his security,” and further added that the “suspect is in custody.”
On Truth Social, US President Donald Trump appealed, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot… GOD BLESS HIM!” simultaneously describing him as “a great guy from top to bottom.” In his own social media update, Vice President J.D. Vance similarly urged his followers to “say a prayer for Charlie Kirk.”
Kirk gained recognition after co-founding Turning Point USA in 2012. This organization defines itself as a “national student movement dedicated to identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government.”
The activist has built a significant social media presence, engaging in debates with liberal academics.
Kirk publicly supported Trump prior to both the 2016 and 2024 US elections.
He has become an outspoken opponent of ‘woke’ policies and has also condemned US backing for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
On his Telegram channel, Russian presidential aide Kirill Dmitriev commented on the Utah shooting, commending Kirk for advocating for dialogue with Moscow.
The Russian official penned, “The attempt on the life of a person advocating common sense and opposing hysteria highlights the depth of the rift in the US.”