Charlie Kirk Shot During Campus Event; Nation Reacts With Outrage and Support

Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of conservative student organization Turning Point USA, was shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon, prompting widespread shock and bipartisan condemnation.

Kirk had been addressing a crowd of students under a white canopy on campus when the shooting occurred around 12:20 p.m., according to university officials. In a statement to media outlets, Ellen Treanor, Associate Vice President of Strategic Communication at Utah Valley University, confirmed the event and said a suspect is currently in custody.

“We had a guest speaker, Charlie Kirk, who was invited to campus by a student organization,” Treanor stated. “Shortly after noon, gunshots were reported from a location approximately 200 yards away. Security immediately intervened, and Mr. Kirk was removed from the area by his personal security team. The campus has been closed for the remainder of the day.”

The condition of Kirk following the shooting remains unclear. A spokesperson for Kirk confirmed only that he had been shot, adding that more details would be provided once available.

Video footage posted on social media appears to capture the exact moment of the shooting. In the video, Kirk can be seen sitting under a white tent, engaging in a Q&A session with the audience. The atmosphere turns to chaos after a sudden loud pop is heard. Screams erupt, and the crowd scatters in panic as Kirk appears to recoil in his seat.

Just moments before the gunfire, Kirk had been answering a question from an attendee about mass shootings and transgender individuals. The exchange grew tense as the audience member claimed that five transgender people had committed mass shootings over the past decade, prompting Kirk to respond, “Too many.” The questioner then pressed Kirk for the overall number of mass shootings in the U.S., to which Kirk replied, “Counting or not counting gang violence?”

Seconds later, the shot rang out.

News of the shooting spread rapidly online and was met with immediate reactions from leaders across the political spectrum, many expressing sympathy, calling for unity, and strongly condemning political violence.

Former President Donald Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, writing: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”

Vice President J.D. Vance also shared a message on X (formerly Twitter): “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father. This violence has to stop.”

Utah Senator Mike Lee posted shortly after the news broke: “I am closely monitoring the situation at Utah Valley University. Please keep Charlie Kirk and everyone affected in your prayers.”

From the other side of the aisle, Democratic leaders were also quick to speak out. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the incident “disgusting and reprehensible,” adding, “Political violence in any form must be rejected in the United States.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro echoed those sentiments: “This is horrifying. Political violence has no place in our country. We must speak with moral clarity.”

Maryland Governor Wes Moore stated firmly: “I condemn this shooting in the strongest possible terms. Political violence is never acceptable. Ever.”

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she was “deeply disturbed” by the events, warning against further division. “We all must work together to ensure this moment doesn’t spiral into more hatred or violence,” she said in a statement.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the attack “horrific and unacceptable,” while North Carolina Governor Josh Stein reminded the public that “our nation grows weaker when people are afraid to express their views or disagree.”

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also offered words of support: “Prayers for Charlie Kirk. A devoted Christian, American, and family man. May the healing hand of Christ be upon him.”

Turning Point USA, founded by Kirk in 2012, has long been a prominent voice in conservative student activism and frequently draws attention for its provocative stances on hot-button issues. The organization has not yet released a full statement but confirmed it is working closely with authorities.

Law enforcement is continuing to investigate the incident. While the identity and motive of the shooter have not yet been publicly released, authorities have stated that the situation was quickly contained and there is no ongoing threat to the campus community.

As the investigation unfolds, the incident has reignited national conversations about political violence, safety at public events, and the increasingly charged atmosphere surrounding political discourse in the United States.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.