Charlie Kirk was fatally shot Wednesday afternoon at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. President Trump claimed, “The Great, and even Legendary Charlie Kirk, is dead.”
Videos circulating online show the political commentator speaking to a large group of students before a single shot rings out amongst the crowd. Kirk was talking about mass shootings at the time he was shot. The video shows Kirk recoiling and then blood pouring from his neck.
The crowd attending Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” event gasped before rapidly dispersing. Kirk’s security team took him from the event to a hospital.
Despite earlier reports of a suspect in custody, Deseret News confirmed that no suspect was arrested. The campus is on lockdown and classes have been cancelled.
UVU Student Response
Students at Utah Valley University expressed disbelief and confusion as the chaotic scene unfolded.
Presley Sorensen, a freshman at UVU, told the Chronicle that she was heading to get food with her friends when everyone started running out of the area.
“We thought it was a prank somehow because we had nobody telling us what was going on. They were just screaming and running away,” Sorensen said. Her account highlights how misinformation and panic spread quickly in the absence of official communication.
Another UVU student, Kaitlyn Korpi, told the Chronicle that she was just about to head to the event when chaos erupted. She said a man came up to her and said that there was an active shooter.
“I’m a very proud American, and there’s some sketchy people all around. It’s chaotic with people just trying to get out. I think my mind’s just a little crazy right now,” Korpi said.
Korpi also said that she was trying to get out of the parking lot, but there might have been a barricade because there were so many people trying to leave the campus.
Nos Shabazz, a junior majoring in construction management at UVU, told the Chronicle, “It was crazy how many people were outside crying, and seeing the video was nuts too. It’s a shame that our country has gotten to this point.”
U of U Student Response
Cameron Stewart, a junior studying education and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, said he heard about the shooting when another fraternity member texted about it in the active member group chat.
“My overall reaction was like, this is really sad. Whether it was a democratic politician, republican politician or just a student, you shouldn’t be happy anyone got shot as a whole,” Stewart said. “I pray for him, pray for his family, pray for his parents, just as I would pray for anyone else.”
Avery Hewitson, a senior majoring in political science and environmental and sustainability studies, said, “[The shooting] comes a month after we just allowed open carry on campus, and this is going to be the consequence of it, unfortunately.”
Politician Response
Political leaders quickly took to social media Wednesday afternoon as news of the shooting spread.
Sen. John Curtis wrote on X, “My heart goes out to Charlie, those in attendance, and their families. We are praying for his safety and the well-being of everyone impacted.”
Sen. Mike Lee posted on X shortly after the incident, “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”
Both senators emphasized prayer and support while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the developing situation. Neither offered additional details as law enforcement continues to investigate.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who visited the U this spring, said on Instagram, “Political violence has no place in this country. We must condemn this horrifying attack. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family.”
Editor’s note, September 10, 3:00 p.m. • Teanna Sorensen, a contributor to this article, is an extended relative of Presley Sorensen. However, Teanna did not conduct this interview.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
