Charlie Kirk, the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, is in critical condition after being shot during an event on Wednesday at Utah Valley University.
A source familiar with the matter told the Washington Examiner that Kirk, 31, was hit in the neck. Distressing footage from the event also appeared to show Kirk recoil after a single gunshot was heard. UVU Police told the Washington Examiner that shots were fired but wouldn’t provide any further information. Kirk was speaking at the campus as part of his American Comeback Tour, during which he debates students over controversial topics. The suspect is not in custody, contrary to earlier reports.
A law enforcement official told the Associated Press that Kirk is in critical condition and is being treated.
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Jason Chaffetz, the former Republican congressman from Utah, was at the event when it happened.
He told Fox News in the immediate aftermath that Kirk was about 30 minutes into his presentation when the shot was fired, momentarily after being asked about transgender shooters.
Chaffetz explained: “He took his first question…which was a religious question, and then he got to the second question, which was about 30 minutes into his presentation, 2:30 local time. And the question was about transgender shooters, mass killings, versus people that weren’t transgender, and when that happened, when that question came out, and he’s, you know, he’s going to have the interaction.
He continued, “One shot, I was watching Charlie. I can’t say that I saw blood, I can’t say that I saw him get hit, but I did see him fall immediately backwards into his left and I just hope and pray that somehow he survived that.”
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), who had members of his team at the campus event, wrote on social media: “Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there,” he wrote on social media.
Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) vowed: “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.”
President Donald Trump led the well wishers, asking for prayers for the conservative activist.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” he said in a post on Truth Social.
The White House Situation Room and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are “actively engaged” and monitoring the situation, according to Fox News.
Vice President JD Vance urged people to “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
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FBI Director Kash Patel said FBI agents were on their way to the scene.
“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 investigation,” he said in a post on X.
UVU announced it would be closed following the shooting.
“Campus closed, classes canceled until further notice. Police are investigating. Leave campus immediately. Follow police instructions,” the school posted.