Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot Wednesday while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, officials and his organization confirmed, prompting an ongoing manhunt and an emotional on-air reaction from commentator Megyn Kelly.
Utah authorities said the shooting occurred at about 12:20 p.m. during Kirk’s appearance for his “American Comeback Tour,” when a gunman fired from a rooftop into a courtyard where Kirk was addressing a crowd of roughly 3,000 people. Videos posted to social media show Kirk, 31, speaking into a handheld microphone under a white tent and then collapsing after being struck in the neck. He was carried from the stage by his private security team and later pronounced dead at a hospital, Turning Point USA’s chief operating officer confirmed on social media.
The Utah Department of Public Safety described the incident as a "targeted attack." Officials said investigators believe the fatal shot was fired from the roof of the Losee Centre, about 200 feet from where Kirk spoke. Police said they were searching multiple active crime scenes on and near the campus and were working to locate the person or persons responsible.
Two people who were detained in the hours after the shooting have since been released; authorities said they had "no current ties" to the fatal incident. Law enforcement officials did not immediately identify a suspect and asked anyone with information or footage of the area to come forward.
On her YouTube program, The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly broke down in tears when she read the confirmation of Kirk’s death. "Oh good God, he's dead," she said, then read the Turning Point USA post. Kelly, a former network anchor, called the news devastating and said she was angry about how the attack happened and that no one was yet in custody.
President Donald Trump released a video statement condemning the shooting and calling it an "assassination," saying he was "filled with grief and anger" and that his administration would pursue those responsible as well as organizations he said supported political violence. Trump and Kirk were political allies, and Trump led public tributes to Kirk following the shooting.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children, a three-year-old daughter and a 16-month-old son, Turning Point USA said. The organization said it would provide updates as the investigation continued.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes after the shots were fired, with thousands of people fleeing the campus. Sophie Anderson, who said she was standing about 100 feet from the stage, told reporters she heard what she immediately recognized as a gunshot and saw Kirk fall, bleeding. "They carried him off. All these kids are just falling apart and bawling," she said.
Authorities and observers noted that Wednesday’s slaying adds to a recent pattern of politically charged violence in the United States. In the run-up to the 2024 election, President Trump survived two assassination attempts in July and September 2024, officials have said. Other incidents in the past year included the killing of a New York businessman, an arson attack on a governor’s home, and the deadly shooting of a state lawmaker and her husband. Officials cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about motive as the investigation proceeds.
Law enforcement officials at the scene said they were canvassing the surrounding area for surveillance footage and witnesses and coordinating with federal partners. Investigators did not immediately release additional details on the weapon used or whether they had identified a suspect vehicle or person of interest.
Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization Kirk co-founded in 2012, posted messages mourning his death and called for cooperation with investigators. The organization urged supporters to respect the authorities' work and the privacy of Kirk’s family.
As the search continues, university officials temporarily locked down portions of the campus and arranged support services for students and attendees. Local hospitals reported receiving patients from the scene, and authorities said agencies were working to ensure public safety while pursuing leads.
The investigation remains active, and state officials asked anyone with video, photographs or information related to the shooting to contact law enforcement. Further updates were expected as investigators processed evidence and followed up on tips.