Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and grievously wounded Wednesday during a campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Video shows Kirk recoil suddenly, his head snapping back and blood pouring from his neck area. His condition is very serious.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was about 20 minutes into his “American Comeback Tour” presentation when a single gunshot was fired from approximately 200 yards away, according to officials.
“A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now, suspect in custody,” Utah Valley University said in an alert to students.
Graphic video shows Kirk being shot and falling from his chair suddenly during the live question-and-answer session with students. Video circulating on social media shows blood flowing from his neck as attendees screamed and rushed for safety.
The campus was placed on lockdown following the shooting.
University officials confirmed the shots were fired from the top of the Losee Center on campus during Kirk’s outdoor presentation under a tent. A suspect was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
President Donald Trump responded, writing: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/GqYC4QdhA1
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 10, 2025
Vice President JD Vance called for prayers on social media, describing Kirk as “a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” Vance posted.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau is closely monitoring the situation.
Senator Mike Lee of Utah made a statement on the attack: “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, denounced the attack, calling it “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,” Newsom said.
Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and has built it into one of the largest conservative youth organizations in the country. He hosts “The Charlie Kirk Show” and regularly speaks at college campuses across the nation.
The shooting occurred during Kirk’s campus tour promoting conservative values. A petition protesting his visit had circulated, though fewer than 1,000 people signed it.
The university confirmed Kirk was the only person shot during the incident. No other injuries were reported among the students and attendees present.
Law enforcement agencies, including local police and the FBI, are investigating the shooting. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.