On the afternoon of September 10, 2025, well known Republican political activist and Chief Executive of non-profit organization Turning Point USA Charles “Charlie” Kirk was shot at and killed during a crowd gathering at Utah Valley University. Just before being shot, Kirk was being questioned by a student about mass shootings and gun violence over the last ten years. Kirk responded with a counter question, where he asks, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Just as Charlie pointed the microphone away from himself, a singular shot was fired, hitting Kirk directly in the left side of his neck, sending the crowd into terror. Many of the crowd reported seeing Charlie fall to the ground where you could also hear screams and see people running away and telling others to run in fear.
Witnesses reported that the shooter was seen on a rooftop approximately 600 feet away, far off of the campus, police had arrested an older, unnamed man who was arrested after being found by police screaming “shoot him!” just before Kirk had been shot. However, the man was found innocent of assassinating Charlie Kirk. Just a few days later, the police found the culprit through a friend of a family member; the man was identified as 22 year old Tyler Robinson, who is still in process of being charged with things such as aggravated murder and many other charges.
Hours later, many statements had been published by people who have personally met and spoken to Kirk, such as social media debater Dean Withers who started a live stream just moments after Charlie was shot, where he later received the news Kirk passed away. Current president Donald Trump also made a video statement where he states in his speech, “I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror.” President Trump went on to speak about Kirk’s faith and belief in Christianity, stating, “We take comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace with God, in Heaven.”
Through these terrible events, many are deeply saddened by the events that occurred, including Charlie’s family, his wife Erika Kirk and his two children, a three year old daughter, and one year old son. Though there are no current statements from the family, Mrs. Kirk posted a tweet of the Bible verse Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” These events are tragic, and many deeply saddened people around the world are sending thoughts and prayers to Kirk’s family.
