Political Assassination of Charlie Kirk Shakes Utah Campus

Tue Oct 21 2025 12:49:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and ally of Donald Trump, was shot dead during a college event in Utah. Authorities are investigating this shocking act amidst a climate of increasing political violence.

A tragic incident unfolded at Utah Valley University where Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a campus event. Witnesses described the chaos following the gunfire, and the state governor deemed it a political assassination. As authorities search for the unidentified shooter, the incident has drawn widespread condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum, emphasizing growing concerns over political violence in the U.S.

OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump who played an influential role in rallying young Republican voters, was shot and killed at a Utah college event in what the governor called a political assassination.

Authorities say Kirk was killed with a single shot from a rooftop on Wednesday. The shooter fled amidst chaos as students tried to escape. Gov. Spencer Cox described the day as tragically dark for the nation.

Videos shared on social media show Kirk speaking before the shots were fired, bleeding profusely, causing stunned spectators to scream and flee. The incident has intensified discussions about the escalating threat of political violence across the United States.

This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation, said Utah Governor Spencer Cox.

The incident also comes with no clear motive yet established, but the circumstances have led to heightened awareness and calls for action against such violence.

Due to the tragic events, Utah Valley University has suspended operations until Monday, with law enforcement continuing to search the area for the shooter.

Trump reacted swiftly, labeling Kirk a 'martyr for truth' and condemning the violent act, which has received bipartisan condemnation and drawn renewed focus on political safety in the U.S.

This event was part of Kirk's 'The American Comeback Tour' and had already sparked significant controversy in online campaigns opposing his appearance. Turning Point USA, the organization co-founded by Kirk, has long been influential in conservative circles.

Kirk's death has raised questions about campus safety and the increasing prevalence of politically motivated violence, marking a pivotal and somber moment in American politics.