Charlie Kirk, political activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was reportedly shot in the neck during a live event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on September 10, 2025, as part of his āProve Me Wrongā / āAmerican Comeback Tour.ā Law enforcement confirmed the suspect is in custody, and Kirk was evacuated by his security team following the incident, which caused a campus lockdown and widespread reactions from political figures and media outlets.
Kirkās visit to UVU is part of his āAmerican Redemption / Prove Me Wrongā campus tour, which has sparked significant controversy and pushback from some faculty and students, including large petitions calling for his events to be canceled.
Turning Point USA, which Kirk founded in 2012, is a major youth-oriented conservative activist organization with close ties to the MAGA movement and right-wing political circles.
The incident unfolded amid a heated political climate, intensifying debates over campus conduct rules, security measures, and what many see as widespread hostility among students toward free speech, American history, the free market, and individual choiceāattitudes they attribute to āsocialistā professors. Kirk has called for open dialogue on precisely these topics, which, his supporters argue, has provoked opponents of free expression who find themselves unable to answer the straightforward questions posed by the Turning Point USA founder.
Incident Details
- The shooting took place about 20 minutes into Kirkās presentation at UVU, where he was engaging students in his signature debate format.
- Multiple eyewitnesses and video footage confirmed shots were fired at the event, and Kirk appeared to be struck in the neck, prompting attendees to run for cover.
- UVU police and campus officials immediately initiated a lockdown, and the suspect responsible was quickly apprehended; the shooter is reportedly not affiliated with the university.
Public and Political Reactions
- Utah Senator Mike Lee posted on X (Twitter), asking for prayers for Kirk and those present at UVU.
- Vice President J.D. Vance and former President Donald Trump publicly expressed concern and called for prayers on social media.
- The FBI and campus security teams are actively investigating, with multiple agencies confirming their involvement and ongoing response.
Context and Background
- Kirkās visit to UVU is part of his American Comeback / Prove Me Wrong campus tour, which has attracted significant controversy and opposition from some faculty and students, with large petitions calling for the cancellation of his events.
- Turning Point USA, founded by Kirk in 2012, is a major youth-oriented conservative activist organization with strong ties to the MAGA movement and right-wing political circles.
- This incident occurs within a tumultuous political environment, amplifying debates about campus speech, security measures, and political polarization among student bodies.
Ongoing Updates
- The full extent of Charlie Kirkās injuries and current condition is still being determined, with news outlets indicating the situation remains fluid.
- Campus officials, police, and major news agencies are providing continual updates as new details emerge.
Sources:
- Wired
- KSL
- WEAR TV
- Local News 8
- Al Jazeera
- Washington Post
- Variety
- ABC News
- CNN
This remains a developing story, with substantial local and national attention focused on legal, security, and campus issues at UVU following the shooting.
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