“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk”
President Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a Truth Social post. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” he said.In a video message, Trump said he was “filled with grief and anger” over the incident. Calling him a “martyr for truth and freedom”, he also commended Kirk’s work with young Americans.
What happened?
Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University as part of his ‘American Comeback Tour’. Kirk was seated at a ‘Prove Me Wrong’ debating table, engaging with students and taking questions from the audience outdoors. Specifically, he was discussing mass shootings and transgender people with a student when the incident occurred.
The event was roughly attended by around 3,000 students, and Kirk was shot about 20 minutes after he began speaking at approximately 12:10 pm local time (18:10 GMT). The shooter allegedly fired from the Losee Center, a building approximately 200 yards away. Kirk’s death was confirmed later that day, sparking widespread reactions from politicians and the public.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said that he was being briefed by law enforcement about Kirk. “Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life,” Cox, a Republican, said.
Video from Utah Valley University
Videos circulating on social media show Charlie Kirk being struck while speaking under a tent at Utah Valley University, with students fleeing in panic after hearing the gunshot. Witnesses can be heard shouting “Oh my God” and “run” as people scramble to get away from the area where Kirk lay after being shot.
A video from Utah Valley University, where shots were just fired at a Charlie Kirk event. This leftist violence must be stopped. pic.twitter.com/e4d4q6hvug
– sólionath (@anaraseldain) September 10, 2025
Actual footage of the shooting aftermath at uvu. @charliekirk11 was shot in the neck at an event in Utah valley just up the street from my house. #shooting #charliekirk #utah #the this makes me so sick! I live down the street from Utah valley university. This tribalism and hate… pic.twitter.com/UCdlOjZ0RP
— m???? (@B_Rjones89) September 10, 2025
Speaking with ABC News, Sara Tewell, a student at Utah Valley University in Orem near Provo, said, “Blood was gushing everywhere. A friend and I ran into a building and ran out and down the street just trying to get to safety.”
FBI says it has ‘full resources devoted’
In a statement on Thursday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said that it is investigating the shooting along with Utah state authorities. It added that it has “full resources devoted to this investigation, including tactical, operational, investigative and intelligence.”
The FBI is working alongside our local and state law enforcement partners in Utah to fully investigate and seek justice in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Anyone with information, photos, and video from the incident can help the FBI identity more… pic.twitter.com/JEQ22lIwfv
– FBI (@FBI) September 11, 2025
The status of the search for the shooter is unclear
It was unclear whether anyone remained in custody or if the shooter was still at large, as law enforcement offered evolving and difficult-to-reconcile information.
FBI Director Kash Patel initially claimed a ‘subject’ had been taken into custody, but later revealed that the person was released after questioning.
The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency https://t.co/YXsG6YpFR5
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025
According to Beau Mason, head of the Utah Department of Public Safety, a suspect was described as wearing all-dark clothing, and one shot was fired from the roof of the Losee Center.
A law enforcement officer has stated that authorities are looking for a new person of interest in Kirk’s assassination. Authorities are currently investigating the assassination of Charlie Kirk, according to the official who wished to remain anonymous. The Utah Department of Public Safety has confirmed that no one is in custody in connection with Kirk’s killing.
