Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk at Utah University Event

Wed Oct 22 2025 16:24:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a shocking incident, Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University, prompting widespread outrage and condolences from across the political spectrum.

Charlie Kirk, a notable conservative figure known for his support of Donald Trump, has been killed after being shot at a university event in Utah. The gunfire erupted as he began to speak, causing panic among attendees. The tragic event has led to nationwide condemnation of political violence, with responses from both sides of the political aisle.

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University, President Donald Trump announced on social media.

The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead, the president wrote on Truth Social. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.

Kirk, a fervent supporter of Trump, was the founder of Turning Point USA, a group that seeks to spread conservative ideas to students on US campuses.

Officials say he had just begun speaking when a single gunshot rang out. Videos verified by BBC show him jolting backwards in his chair as students scatter in panic.

A spokeswoman for Utah Valley University, Ellen Treanor, confirmed that the gunfire originated from the Losee Center, located approximately 200 yards away. Another spokesman mentioned that while Kirk was shot, details regarding his condition remained unclear.

BBC Verify has confirmed several videos of the shooting circulating online. One video captures the chaotic moments when the crowd panicked following the gunshot as Kirk was seen sitting at the rally.

As the news broke, politicians from both sides of the aisle condemned the attack, emphasizing the need to reject political violence. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy expressed his support for Kirk, while Governor Gavin Newsom remarked on the reprehensible nature of the incident. A former congressman described the immediate chaos following the shot, noting how the audience hit the ground in fear.

This tragic incident has once again raised concerns regarding safety in public political discourse in America, igniting calls for action against political violence.