, a prominent conservative analyst and the creator of the youth advocacy organization Turning Point USA, sustained a gunshot wound during an event he was leading at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
Footage of the incident shared online depicts Kirk addressing an audience when a gunshot is heard. Kirk was propelled backward by the impact, seemingly struck in the neck, prior to the audience scattering in disarray.
After the shooting, Kirk was transported to the hospital. His present medical state remains undisclosed.
The university issued a statement indicating that “a single shot was discharged on campus, directed at a guest speaker. Police are currently conducting an investigation, with a suspect in custody.” A university representative informed the New York Times that an individual had reportedly shot at Kirk from the Losee Center, which is approximately 200 yards distant.
Kirk, who is a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, was present at the Orem, Utah university for an occasion referred to as the “American Comeback Tour.”
“WE. ARE. SO. BACK,” Kirk posted on X a short time before the gunshots were announced. “Utah Valley University is ENTHUSIASTIC and PREPARED for the initial stop on the American Comeback Tour.”
President Trump appealed for prayers for Kirk in remarks shared shortly after the incident.
“Everyone should pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been wounded by gunfire. An outstanding person through and through. GOD BLESS HIM!” he stated on Truth Social.
FBI Director Kash Patel commented that the bureau “was closely observing accounts of the unfortunate shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.”
“Our sympathies go out to Charlie, his family, and all those impacted. Agents will arrive swiftly, and the FBI fully backs the continuing emergency response and inquiry,” he conveyed in an X post.
Mike Lee, a Republican Senator representing Utah, shared on X after the event: “I am monitoring the circumstances at Utah Valley University carefully. I ask you to join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students who were assembled there.”
The shooting drew censure from various political viewpoints.
Gavin Newsom, California’s Democratic governor, characterized the assault on Kirk as “revolting, abhorrent, and contemptible.”
Gabrielle Giffords, a past Arizona congresswoman who narrowly survived an assassination attempt in 2011, stated she was “appalled” by the gunfire. “In democratic nations, political differences will invariably exist, yet we must never permit America to become a place where such disagreements are resolved through aggression,” she commented on social media.
Kirk established Turning Point USA in 2012, an entity that has cemented his status as one of the nation’s most impactful conservative campaigners. This youth-centric organization endeavors to “identify, instruct, develop, and mobilize students to advocate for tenets of fiscal prudence, open markets, and restrained government,” as per its official website. The group, based in Arizona, reports its presence on over 3,500 university campuses.
In recent years, Turning Point USA has evolved into a formidable fundraising and organizational powerhouse for Trump, playing a significant role in his 2024 presidential bid.
“Charlie Kirk provides assistance. He commands his contingent of young individuals. These are youthful patriots,” Trump remarked during a speech at the last year.
This situation is still unfolding.
