Charlie Kirk, an American right-wing personality, co-founder of Turning Point USA and close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, has been shot at a college event in Utah.
Turning Point USA confirmed to the Associated Press that Kirk had been shot.
Videos posted on social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.”
A single shot rings out, and Kirk can be seen recoiling as blood gushes from the left side of his neck.
Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away.
The AP was able to confirm the videos were taken at Sorensen Center courtyard on the Utah Valley University campus.
Story continues below advertisement
“We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA.
The New York Times reported that university spokeswoman, Ellen Treanor, said that a suspect fired at Kirk from a building about 180 metres away from where he was sitting, and was taken into custody.
Get daily National news
Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
Trump called for prayers on Truth Social, 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
Utah Senator Mike Lee said he’s monitoring the situation.
I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 10, 2025
Trending Now
Ukrainian woman stabbed to death in unprovoked attack on N.C. train
Alberta twins share 10-year breast cancer battle: ‘She gets it’
Story continues below advertisement
Turning Point was founded in suburban Chicago in 2012 by Kirk, then 18, and William Montgomery, a Tea Party activist, to proselytize on college campuses for low taxes and limited government. It was not an immediate success. But Kirk’s zeal for confronting liberals in academia eventually won over an influential set of conservative financiers.
Despite early misgivings, Turning Point enthusiastically backed Trump after he clinched the GOP nomination in 2016. Kirk served as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr., the former president’s eldest son, during the general election campaign.
Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the then-president. Trump and his son were equally effusive and often spoke at Turning Point conferences.
— This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
— With files from The Associated Press
More on World
More videos
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.