Tragic Shooting of Charlie Kirk: A Distant Echo of Political Violence

Tue Sep 30 2025 06:23:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist and close ally of Donald Trump, was shot dead during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University. Authorities are on the hunt for the suspect, and the incident has sparked widespread reactions across the political spectrum.

On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was shot dead while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The shooting occurred unexpectedly during a Q&A session, leading to chaos as attendees fled. A high-powered rifle was later found near the scene, and authorities are currently searching for the shooter. The event has prompted strong reactions from political figures and raised concerns about escalating political violence in the United States.

Charlie Kirk, an influential right-wing activist and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead while speaking at an event at a university in Utah.

Here is what we know.

What happened?

Kirk, 31, was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem on 10 September, 2025 as part of his American Comeback tour. He sat under a white gazebo to take questions from a crowd of about 3,000 in the university's quad, an outdoor courtyard.

At about 12:20, he is asked by a member of the crowd: Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years? He replies: Too many. The questioner then states there had been five in 10 years and asks Kirk how many mass shootings there had been in that time.

Kirk then slumps in his chair with a clearly visible wound to his neck, bleeding profusely as his staff get him off stage.

What do we know about the suspect?

No one has yet been caught. The Salt Lake City office of the FBI released two photographs of a person of interest and asked for help identifying him. A high-powered, bolt-action rifle was found in a nearby wooded area, wrapped in a towel.

The FBI is investigating a footwear impression, a palm print, and forearm imprints discovered at the scene. Beau Mason, Utah's public safety commissioner, noted that the gunman appeared to be of college age, blending in well with students.

Who was Charlie Kirk?

Kirk was a high-profile right-wing activist known for his conservative views. He co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, aiming to promote conservative ideas on college campuses. He was a significant figure in Trump's circle and had a divisive reputation among critics.

What has the reaction been?

The incident has drawn shock across the political spectrum. Trump called Kirk's death a legendary loss for the youth of America and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast. Former presidents Biden and Obama condemned the violence, with Biden stating there is no place for it in the country.

Is political violence in the US increasing?

The US has witnessed a rise in politically motivated attacks, with 150 incidents reported in the first six months of the year. Experts warn that Kirk's murder could embolden further acts of violence.