A suspect is in police custody in connection with the fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, described as a “political assassination” by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
Kirk, an ally of President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck while speaking to a large outdoor crowd at Utah Valley University in Orem Wednesday afternoon.
Law enforcement launched a manhunt following the violence and a few hours later, FBI director Kash Patel confirmed a person of interest was in custody.
“The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody,” Patel said in a post on X. “Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi.”
The 31-year-old’s death was confirmed by Trump on Truth Social. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote.
“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Graphic video posted on social media showed Kirk sitting at a booth on stage when a gunshot rang out. Kirk fell backwards as blood poured from his neck.
The president ordered flags flown at half-mast.
Key Points
- Trump announces the death of Charlie Kirk on Truth Social
- Full story: Charlie Kirk dies at age 31 after being shot while speaking at a Utah college: Manhunt underway for suspect
- Eyewitness describes moment Charlie Kirk shot in neck at Utah speaking event
- Suspect now in police custody, says FBI director
Watch: Utah Gov says Charlie Kirk shooting was 'a political assassination'
23:53 , Rhian LubinShot that killed Kirk came 'potentially from a roof' - Utah official
23:44 , Rhian LubinBeau Mason, Commissioner at the Utah Department of Public Safety, told the briefing that the shot that killed Kirk came “potentially from a roof,” at a long distance.
The shooter wore dark clothing and fired from “some distance away.”
'We still have the death penalty here' - Gov. Cox
23:43 , Mike Bedigan, Rhian LubinGovernor Spencer Cox said that the person responsible will be held accountable.
“We have a person of interest in custody. I want to make it crystal clear to whoever is responsible… and we will hold you accountable to the full extent of the law,” Cox said.
“And I want to remind you, we still have the death penalty here.”
“Our nation is broken, he added. “I don’t care what his politics are. I care that he was American.”
Utah Gov: "This is a political assassination"
23:35 , Rhian LubinUtah authorities are now holding a press conference about the shooting.
Kirk was killed with a single shot in what is believed to be a targeted attack, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said.
“This is a political assassination,” Cox said.
BREAKING: Suspect is in police custody, says FBI director
23:25 , Rhian LubinThe subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025
We will provide updates when able.
Pictured: Armed police patrol the area
23:24 , Rhian Lubin
Manhunt underway to catch suspect, still at large
23:15 , Rhian LubinA manhunt is underway for the suspect who shot and killed right-wing activist Charlie Kirk while he was speaking at the political event on a Utah college campus.
The suspect’s identity is unknown and the shooter remains on the loose as Orem Police, Utah Valley University Police, the FBI and the Utah Department of Public Safety carry out an active manhunt.
Authorities swooped on the campus and the surrounding area following the violence. Officers are currently scouring the neighborhood bordering campus, going door to door for information as the suspect remains at large.
A law enforcement source told CNN the weapon has not yet been recovered.
U.S. Marshals are on standby to support the manhunt, but they have not yet been deployed, the source added.
Turning Point USA release statement following death of Charlie Kirk
23:03 , Mike BediganTurning Point USA, the conservative advocacy organization founded by Charlie Kirk, has released a statement following his death:
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) September 10, 2025
Officials to give update on Charlie Kirk shooting
23:00 , Mike BediganAuthorities in Utah say they will give an update on the investigation into the fatal shooting of MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk at 6 p.m. local time.
UVU campus evacuated after Charlie Kirk shooting
22:56 , Mike BediganThe Utah Valley University campus has been evacuated after the killing of the 31-year-old conservative activist and MAGA influencer.
A university statement said after Kirk’s fatal shooting that the campus remains closed and classes are canceled until further notice.
Those still on campus were asked to stay in place until police officers can safely escort off campus.
Meanwhile, armed officers are walking around the neighborhood bordering the campus, knocking on doors and asking for information as the suspect remains at large.
Watch: Charlie Kirk's Republican National Convention 2024 speech: ' I visit college campuses, so you don't have to'
22:50 , Mike BediganSuspect and weapon still missing, authorities say
22:50 , Mike BediganAuthorities are yet to apprehend a suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk, and the gun used in the shooting has also not been recovered.
A law enforcement official confirmed the news to CNN as of Wednesday evening, adding that U.S. Marshals are on standby to begin a manhunt for the shooter
The marshals have not yet been deployed, another law enforcement source told the outlet.
Charlie Kirk death: Lawmakers fall silent in House tribute before shouting breaks out
22:46 , Mike Bedigan
Charlie Kirk: Lawmakers fall silent in House tribute before shouting breaks out
Obama and Biden send condolences to Charlie Kirk's family
22:40 , Mike BediganFormer presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden have sent their condolences to the family of Charlie Kirk.
“We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy,” Obama wrote on X.
“Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.
We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 10, 2025
“There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones,” Biden added.
There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 10, 2025
Utah Governor says he has spoken with Trump after fatal shooting
22:36 , Mike BediganUtah Governor Spencer J Cox says he has spoken to President Donald Trump following the death of Charlie Kirk.
“I just got off the phone with President Trump. Working with the FBI and Utah law enforcement, we will bring to justice the individual responsible for this tragedy,” he wrote on X.
“Abby and I are heartbroken. We are praying for Charlie's wife, daughter, and son.”
I just got off the phone with President Trump. Working with the FBI and Utah law enforcement, we will bring to justice the individual responsible for this tragedy.
— Governor Cox (@GovCox) September 10, 2025
Abby and I are heartbroken. We are praying for Charlie's wife, daughter, and son. https://t.co/IteWx4OI9o
Exclusive: ‘All it takes is one lunatic’: Eyewitness describes moment Charlie Kirk shot in neck at Utah speaking event
22:18 , Mike BediganA witness described the moment Charlie Kirk was hit by the bullet that took his life as "pretty scary stuff."
Bystander video from the outdoor event Wednesday at the University Valley University at the school's campus in Orem shows Kirk sitting in a tent-like booth, holding a microphone and addressing the crowd, when a shot suddenly rings out.
The bullet hit Kirk in the neck and a significant amount of blood. A short time later, Kirk was pronounced dead at age 31.
Justin Rohrlich spoke exclusively to some who were there:
‘All it takes is one lunatic’: Witness recalls moment Charlie Kirk shot at Utah event
Trump orders all U.S. flags across the country to be lowered to half mast in honor of Charlie Kirk
22:15 , Mike BediganDonald Trump has ordered that all U.S. flags across the country to be lowered to half mast in honor of Charlie Kirk, following his death.
“In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
Speaking to ABC News Trump described the incident in Utah Wednesday as “horrific.”
“It’s one of the most horrible things I’ve ever seen. He was a great guy,” he told the outlet. “He was an incredible guy. Nobody like him.”
Recap: MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk fatally shot at college event in Utah
22:10 , Mike BediganMAGA broadcaster Charlie Kirk has died at the age of 31, after being shot in the neck at a college event in Utah. Here’s what you need to know:
- Kirk was hosting an event at Utah Valley University, the first scheduled stop on his American Comeback Tour, hosted by Turning Point USA.
- Video from bystanders, posted on social media, showed Kirk sitting at a booth, surrounded by hundreds of people, when a loud crack is heard. Kirk convulses and falls backwards with blood pouring from his neck as people begin screaming and running.
- Kirk’s death was announced first by President Donald Trump on Truth Social. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead... He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us,” the president wrote.
- FBI director Kash Patel confirmed a suspect is now in police custody.
- Kirk was a political activist and media personality who founded Turning Point USA – an influential right-wing advocacy group. He travelled with private security to events, an aide told CNN.
- Tributes to Kirk poured in online following news of the shooting, with politicians on both sides of the political aisle condemning the violence and sending prayers to his family.
UVU confirms hunt for shooting suspect still ongoing
22:00 , Mike BediganUtah Valley University officials have confirmed that the hunt for a suspect in the fatal shooting of MAGA commentator Charlie Kirk is ongoing.
“There is no suspect in custody, it is an active investigation,” Ellen Treanor, a university spokesperson, said in a statement shared with The New York Times.
Four agencies are investigating the shooting: Orem Police, Utah Valley University Police, the F.B.I. and the Utah Department of Public Safety.
Authorities in Utah sill searching for suspect in Charlie Kirk fatal shooting
21:58 , Mike BediganAuthorities in Utah are still searching for a suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, according to The Associated Press.
It was previously reported by Utah Valley University, where Kirk’s event had been taking place, that an individual had been taken into custody, but police later confirmed that the person was not the shooter.
Charlie Kirk's spokesperson confirms news of his death
21:52 , Mike BediganAndrew Kolvet, Charlie Kirk’s spokesman, has confirmed the news that the MAGA broadcaster has died.
The news was first reported by Donald Trump on his social media platform Truth Social Wednesday.
Kolvet confirmed the news to The New York Times.
Full story: Charlie Kirk dead at 31: MAGA influencer shot and killed while speaking at Utah college
21:49 , Mike BediganInfluential right-wing activist Charlie Kirk has died after a single shot was fired during a speaking event on a college campus in Utah, according to President Donald Trump.
Video from bystanders on social media shows Kirk sitting on an outdoor stage during a question-and-answer event with students moments before a single loud crack can be heard, sending the crowd into panic.
Alex Woodward has the full story:
Charlie Kirk in critical condition after being shot in the neck at Utah college event
Trump announces the death of Charlie Kirk on Truth Social
21:47 , Mike BediganDonald Trump has announced the death of Charlie Kirk.
“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.
“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
BREAKING: Charlie Kirk has died after being shot, Trump says
21:43 , Mike BediganMAGA broadcaster Charlie Kirk has died after being shot in the neck at an event in Utah.
Kirk, 31, was taken to hospital in “critical condition” following the incident Wednesday at the Utah Valley University.
His death was confirmed by Donald Trump on Truth Social.
Elizabeth Warren calls shooting 'nothing short of horrific'
21:42 , Mike BediganDemocratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said the attack on Charlie Kirk was “nothing short of horrific.”
“I'm praying for Charlie Kirk and thinking of the students at the event in Utah. Political violence has no place in our country — it's never ok,” the Senator wrote on X.
This shooting is nothing short of horrific. I'm praying for Charlie Kirk and thinking of the students at the event in Utah. Political violence has no place in our country — it's never ok.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 10, 2025
Mike Johnson says attack on Charlie Kirk is 'detestable'
21:39 , Mike BediganHouse Speaker Mike Johnson has called the shooting of MAGA broadcaster Charlie Kirk “detestable.”
“Political violence has become all too common in American society, and this is not who we are,” Johnson told reporters Wednesday shortly after the incident in Utah.
“We need every political figure, we need everyone who has a platform to say this loudly and clearly. We can settle disagreements and disputes in a civil manner, and political violence must be called out, and it has to stop.”
A moment of silence on the House floor will take place momentarily.
In pictures: Aftermath at UVU following Charlie Kirk shooting
21:35 , Mike Bedigan
Donald Trump says Charlie Kirk is 'not doing well'
21:30 , Mike BediganAsked for updates on Charlie Kirk’s condition, Donald Trump told the New York Post: "He's not doing well,
"It looks very bad,” the president told the outlet via phone.
Asked how he was feeling about the situation, Trump added: "Not good. He was a very, very good friend of mine and he was a tremendous person."
Full story: Charlie Kirk in critical condition at hospital after Utah college shooting but ‘it doesn’t look good’
21:27 , Mike BediganRight-wing activist Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Wednesday.
Video from bystanders on social media shows Kirk sitting on an outdoor stage during a question-and-answer event with students moments before a single loud crack can be heard, sending the crowd into panic.
Alex Woodward has the full story as we have it so far:
Charlie Kirk in critical condition after being shot in the neck at Utah college event
Kamala Harris 'deeply disturbed' by Charlie Kirk shooting
21:19 , Mike BediganFormer vice president Kamala Harris says she is “deeply disturbed” by the shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah.
“Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family,” Harris wrote on X.
“Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.”
Person taken into custody not the shooter, UVU spokesperson says
21:10 , Mike BediganA suspect initially taken into custody following the shooting of Charlie Kirk is not believed to have been the shooter, police have determined.
Scott Trotter, a Utah Valley University spokesman confirmed the news, per The New York Times.
Videos circulating online showed an older man being detained by officers.
Watch live: Emergency services at scene of Charlie Kirk shooting at Utah Valley University
21:04 , Mike Bedigan'It doesn't look good,' says Kirk's colleague
21:04 , Mike BediganSources told CBS News that Kirk was in the hospital after being shot in the neck.
"It doesn’t look good.” a Turning Point USA official told the outlet.
Kirk traveled with private security to event
21:00 , Mike BediganCharlie Kirk traveled with a private security contingent, which accompanies him to all his public events, sources tell CNN.
The MAGA broadcaster’s appearance at Utah Valley University Wednesday was the first stop of Turning Point USA’s American Comeback Tour.
He was due to travel to 14 cities on the tour.
Kirk’s security detail traveled with him to both large and small events.
UVU students told to leave campus 'immediately'
20:56 , Mike BediganStudents at Utah Valley University have been ordered to leave campus “immediately” following the attack on Charlie Kirk.
“Campus closed, classes canceled until further notice. Police are investigating. Leave campus immediately. Follow police instructions,” the official UVU account on X posted.
Who is Charlie Kirk?
20:48 , Alex WoodwardCharlie Kirk is a 31-year-old political activist and media personality who founded influential right-wing advocacy group Turning Point USA.
The MAGA broadcaster is well known for his campus appearances and debates surrounding hot-button issues.
He has emerged as an influential voice among Trump’s supporters with an audience on his social media channels and streaming video networks that reach millions of followers.
Kirk has also developed a close relationship with the president and other prominent Republican figures and has helped shape Trump’s Cabinet while leading get-out-the-vote campaigns that mobilized thousands of Turning Point members in the weeks leading up to the 2024 election.
Watch: Charlie Kirk posts video from Utah event just before shooting
20:47 , Mike BediganSuspect in custody, UVU confirms
20:42 , Mike BediganUtah Valley University has confirmed that a suspect is in custody following the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
“Today at about 12:10 a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk,” the UVU official account wrote on X.
“He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating, a suspect is in custody.”
Today at about 12:10 a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk. He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating, a suspect is in custody.
— UVU (@UVU) September 10, 2025
Charlie Kirk still alive, his colleagues say
20:37 , Mike BediganKirk is still alive, his colleagues confirmed, after suffering a gunshot wound to the neck and losing a lot of blood.
“This is an ongoing situation,” Turning Point USA, the group founded by Kirk, wrote in a statement to the Daily Caller.
“We are in the process of confirming reports that Charlie Kirk was shot. He is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time.”
Watch: Charlie Kirk shooting at college event described by witness
20:35 , Mike BediganGabby Giffords praying for Charlie Kirk
20:31 , Mike BediganCongresswoman Gabby Giffords and husband, Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, are praying for Charlie Kirk’s recovery, she posted on X.
Giffords survived an assassination attempt during a political event in Tucson, Arizona, in 2011. The congresswoman suffered a severe brain injury and resigned from office after the shooting.
“I'm horrified to hear that Charlie Kirk was shot at an event in Utah,” Giffords wrote on X.
“Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence. Mark and I are praying for Charlie's recovery.”
Parkland survivor David Hogg speaks out on Charlie Kirk shooting
20:27 , Mike BediganDavid Hogg, a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, says the attack on Charlie Kirk was “horrifying.”
“Horrifying news that Charlie Kirk has been shot. Gun violence and political violence have to fucking stop,” said Hogg, an anti-gun violence advocate and Democrat.
“Charlie, his family, and all the students who had to witness the shooting are in my thoughts. We have disagreements, but we all agree something has to change.”
Utah Governor briefed on Charlie Kirk shooting
20:17 , Mike BediganUtah Governor Spencer J Cox says those responsible for the attack on Charlie Kirk would be held “fully accountable.”
“I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today,” Cox wrote on X.
“We will continue to share updates. Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life.
“Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”
Newsom calls attack on Kirk 'reprehensible'
20:15 , Mike BediganCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom has responded to the attack on Charlie Kirk, describing the incident as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
“In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,” Newsom wrote on X.
Donald Trump calls for prayers for Charlie Kirk
20:07 , Mike BediganDonald Trump was among those calling for prayers for Charlie Kirk after he was apparently shot.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” the president wrote on Truth Social.
Moment Charlie Kirk shot
20:06 , Mike BediganVideo circulating on social media appeared to show the moment that MAGA commentator Charlie Kirk was shot.
One clip showed the large crowd gathered to hear him speak, which then zooms in on Kirk.
Kirk then convulses and falls backwards off his chair as a loud crack is heard, sparking chaos in the crowd.
The Independent is not sharing the footage due to its graphic nature.
FBI closely monitoring situation in Utah, says Kash Patel
20:04 , Mike BediganThe FBI is “closely monitoring” the situation in Utah, after right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk was apparently shot.
Director Kash Patel confirmed the Bureau’s involvement as events unfolded Wednesday.
“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” Patel wrote on X.
“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025
Full Story: Charlie Kirk reportedly shot at Utah college while speaking: Suspect in custody
20:02 , Mike BediganRight-wing activist Charlie Kirk was reportedly shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Wednesday.
Video from bystanders on social media appears to show Kirk sitting on stage at an outdoor during a question-and-answer event with students moments before a single loud crack can be heard, sending the crowd into panic.
University officials said a suspect is in custody.
Charlie Kirk reportedly shot at Utah college while speaking: Suspect in custody
Charlie Kirk apparently shot at University event
20:00 , Mike BediganRight-wing podcaster and MAGA broadcaster Charlie Kirk has apparently been shot at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
The incident happened Wednesday afternoon.
Details are still emerging, follow updates with The Independent here.
