UPDATE: Trump posted on Truth Social saying Charlie Kirk is dead.
“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.”
UPDATE: John Solomon of Just the News reports the devastating news of Charlie Kirk’s passing.
🚨BREAKING: Just the News’ John Solomon just reported the devasting news of Charlie Kirk’s passing.
This is a very dark day for America.
Pray for Charlie’s beautiful family. pic.twitter.com/uhlxniFzUL
— Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) September 10, 2025
Conservative Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck during a student Q&A event at Utah campus in Orem, Utah, on September 10. Authorities confirmed that a suspect was taken into custody at 1:15 p.m. MT.
The shocking attack on one of America’s most outspoken conservative voices immediately sparked condemnation across the political spectrum, with many warning that rising hostility toward conservatives is fueling dangerous violence.
President Donald Trump responded quickly on Truth Social, writing: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, posting on X: “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi called the attack a direct assault on free speech in America, while FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents were on the ground in Utah working alongside local law enforcement.
“Agents will be on the scene quickly, and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation,” Patel said.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the shooting, writing: “Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act.”
Even Democrats such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has publicly sparred with Kirk, labeled the attack “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” noting that political violence of any kind “must be rejected in every form.”
Kirk has emerged as one of the most recognizable young leaders in the conservative movement. As founder of Turning Point USA, he has built a powerful network advocating conservative principles on high school and college campuses.
He spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where he shared the concerns of young Americans frustrated by failing institutions, high costs of living, and what he calls the “toxic influence of radical leftism.”
Kirk is married to entrepreneur Erika Kirk, and the couple has two children—a daughter born in 2022 and a son born in 2024.
Kirk’s stop at Utah Valley University was part of his “American Comeback Tour,” drawing both enthusiastic supporters and fierce critics. More than 6,800 people signed a petition demanding the university block him from speaking, claiming his presence would “misrepresent the values” of the school and allow “divisive rhetoric” to spread.
The university, however, reaffirmed its commitment to the First Amendment, stressing that UVU is “a true marketplace of ideas” where students and faculty must be free to engage in open debate.
“UVU, including its leaders speaking on behalf of the institution, does not take official positions on political, social, or cultural controversies,” the school said in a statement.
Conservatives argue that the petition and growing hostility toward Kirk highlight the toxic climate of campus censorship, where leftist activists attempt to silence voices they dislike rather than debate them.
Lawmakers from both parties called the shooting a tragedy, but many conservatives warned that this is part of a disturbing trend of escalating political violence directed at right-leaning figures.
“Charlie Kirk is a husband, father, and patriot. The fact that he was shot while exercising his free speech rights should alarm every American,” said one Turning Point USA spokesperson.
Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) praised the swift action of first responders, saying: “My heart goes out to Charlie, those in attendance, and their families. We are praying for his safety and the well-being of everyone impacted.”
For now, details about the shooter’s motives have not been released. But the attack underscores what many conservatives have long warned—that constant demonization of right-wing leaders by the media and academia creates a climate where violence becomes normalized.
The attack on Kirk is not just about one man—it is about whether America can remain a nation where free speech is protected, even when controversial. For Kirk’s supporters, his shooting is a chilling reminder that defending conservative ideas in today’s climate comes with real risks.
As Kirk recovers, many are rallying around him, demanding accountability for the suspect and a renewed commitment to rejecting political violence, no matter where it comes from.
