Conservative Commentator Charlie Kirk Shot During Utah Valley University Event

Orem, Utah – September 10, 2025 – Conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was critically injured Wednesday after being shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. The incident, which unfolded shortly after noon under a large white tent during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour,” has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns about political violence on U.S. campuses.

Witnesses reported a single gunshot striking Kirk in the neck as he engaged students in his signature “Prove Me Wrong” format. Chaos erupted as security rushed the commentator off stage and emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital. As of press time, Kirk remains in critical condition.

Initial reports suggested a suspect had been detained, but law enforcement later clarified that the shooter is still at large. The FBI and ATF have joined the investigation alongside local authorities.

Kirk’s visit had already been met with controversy. Advocacy groups at UVU pushed back against his appearance, citing concerns over inclusivity and the potential impact on student well-being. University officials defended the event on free speech grounds, but questions are now being raised about whether adequate safety measures were in place.

The shooting drew swift reactions from across the political spectrum. President Donald Trump called Kirk a “great guy from top to bottom” and asked the nation to pray for him. Vice President J.D. Vance echoed that sentiment. Democratic leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris, also condemned the attack, with many framing it as a sobering reminder of escalating political tensions in America. Gun reform advocate Gabrielle Giffords called the shooting “a tragic warning of the urgent need to reduce gun violence in our public spaces.”

The event marks a chilling escalation in a year already marked by heightened political polarization. For many, the attack is not just about one man, but about the safety of public discourse itself.

As federal investigators piece together the details and the nation prays for Kirk’s recovery, the shooting has left Utah Valley University and the broader country shaken.