Attendees at the campus event where U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Wednesday have described the mass panic after a gunshot was heard.
Kirk, 31, was killed after being struck in the neck by a single bullet from a shooter on a nearby building's roof during his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University, where he was addressing about 3,000 people.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaos and confusion following the shooting, with one attendee noting how, moments before the shooting, Kirk spoke about gun violence, only to be silenced just moments later.
One eyewitness described the scene: Me and my buddies were having a good time just listening to what was going on and then I heard a loud bang, and I saw his body fall over. Everyone started panicking. I cut my video just then. This significant moment led many to hide behind obstacles as people rushed to flee the area.
Further accounts revealed deep emotional distress among attendees, with one witness, Danielle, stating, It was horrible. All I hear is screaming and I see people running. I'm just praying not to die. Another, Porter LaFerber, emphasized how the atmosphere instantly turned from excitement to sheer terror.
Former Congressman Jason Chaffetz witnessed the moment Kirk was shot and described how everyone immediately dropped to the floor, while those in the crowd scrambled for exits. Emotional distress was palpable as several individuals were reported in tears following the incident.
Video footage captured the rush to escape after the gunfire erupted, with officials suggesting that the shot was fired from a distance of about 100 to 200 yards away. Attendees expressed concerns regarding the security measures in place, noting a lack of adequate checks at the event.
The shooting incident adds to ongoing discussions regarding gun violence and safety at public events. Eyewitness comments reveal the chilling impact of the violence witnessed, with many stating they will carry the traumatic images with them for life. Emma Pitts, a reporter who attended the event, stated, I'll never get the image out of my head.
