Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck Wednesday during a question-and-answer session at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, prompting prayers and condemnation from national political figures and a law enforcement response that included the FBI and ATF.
Videos and eyewitness accounts from the event showed attendees screaming as the single shot rang out while Kirk, 31, head of Turning Point USA, was taking questions from students. A man was taken into custody after the shooting, according to a campus alert sent to students.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!" The White House circulated a copy of the post in lieu of an official statement. Vice President J.D. Vance also asked followers on X to "say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father."
Former U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who was at the event with family, told Fox News Channel he heard the shot about 30 minutes into the program and described seeing Kirk fall backward. "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 backward into his left," Chaffetz said. A source familiar with Kirk's condition told Daily Mail that doctors were "still working on him" after he was rushed to a hospital.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau was "closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting" and that agents would be on the scene "quickly." Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was returning from an event in Chicago, said she gathered her team in prayer and posted, "FBI and ATF agents are on the scene. PRAY FOR CHARLIE." Local law enforcement have not released additional details about the suspect or motive.
Political leaders across the spectrum condemned the attack and offered support. California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the shooting "disgusting, vile, and reprehensible" and said the United States must "reject political violence in EVERY form." Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna said he was "saddened" by the shooting and urged Americans to do better amid rising anger and hate.
Several Republican members of Congress and allies of Kirk expressed shock and solidarity. Rep. Brian Mast said he hoped Kirk would be alright and that he was praying for his friend. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene described Kirk as a "young man and father" and said she was praying that he would survive. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna blamed what she called inflammatory rhetoric from the House and media for contributing to violence and urged the country to end such rhetoric.
Not all online responses were sympathetic. The immediate aftermath of the shooting saw some social media posts that appeared to celebrate the attack, while others warned against inflaming tensions. Progressive streamer Hasan Piker, who was scheduled to debate Kirk at Dartmouth College later this month, reacted on his Twitch stream with horror and urged followers to stop making jokes about the shooting, saying the incident was "terrifying" and warning of potential reprisals.
Kirk had posted on X minutes before the shooting, writing, "WE. ARE. SO. BACK," and noting the crowd at Utah Valley University. Turning Point USA has organized numerous campus events in recent years; Kirk is married and a father of two. Authorities have not disclosed whether the target was Kirk specifically or provided details about a possible motive. The FBI and ATF said they are supporting the local response and investigation.
Investigators continue to work at the scene and have not released further details about charges or the suspect's identity. Officials asked anyone with information or footage from the event to come forward as the probe proceeds.