Charlie Kirk killed at Utah rally

BY ANDREW UTTERBACK

Podcast Producer

Political commentator and activist Charlie Kirk has died at the age of 31 after being shot this afternoon at his political rally at Utah Valley University. 

Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA and one of the most influential conservative figures, with millions of social media followers.  

Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death on Truth Social: 

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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!”  

Videos across social media show the shooting, followed by the panic filled crowd of what appeared to be thousands of presumably UVU students.  

Kirk was well-known for his college campus debates and has over a billion views on his YouTube channel. He is also the host of the popular political podcast, “The Charlie Kirk Show.”  

TPUSA is a political nonprofit organization that advocates for conservative values on the campuses of over 3,500 colleges and high schools.  

Immediately following the shooting, social media flooded with statements from fellow commentators and political figures all with the many prayers and comments shaming acts of political violence.  

Kirk is survived by his wife and two children.  

At 5:21 p.m., FBI Director Kash Patel issued a statement on X that the shooter is in custody. The suspect has not yet been identified. After an interrogation with the suspect, he has been released. The search for the shooter is still being conducted.

Update: On September 12, 22–year–old Tyler Robinson was taken into custody for the shooting and is awaiting trial.