Charlie Kirk, the internet personality and cofounder of Turning Point USA, was shot on Wednesday afternoon at Utah Valley University (UVU), where he was holding an event. He is currently at the hospital and in critical condition, according to the Associated Press.
UVU immediately went into lockdown, according to Deseret News. UVU police confirmed in an emergency bulletin that the shooting of a “visiting speaker” took place on campus.
Police say that a suspect is in custody. The identity of the attacker is not currently known.
UVU police did not answer a call from WIRED. A TP USA spokesperson did not immediately respond to WIRED’s request for comment.
“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” FBI director Kash Patel said in a statement on X. “Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
Sandra Baker, a spokesperson for the FBI in Salt Lake City, tells WIRED in a statement, “We are aware of the incident and responding to the scene.”
US senator Mike Lee of Utah commented about the shooting in a post on X, saying that he’s “tracking the situation” at UVU and “praying for Charlie Kirk and the students there.” Vice president J.D. Vance likewise posted on X: “Saying a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and young father.”
In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM.” The White House did not immediately respond to WIRED’s request for comment.
Videos of the shooting began circulating on social media Wednesday afternoon, shortly after initial reports of the incident emerged. The footage shows Kirk seated outdoors beneath a white tent. A gunshot rings out, and a wound suddenly appears on the left side of his neck, according to multiple videos of the incident reviewed by WIRED. He appears to lose a substantial amount of blood as he slumps to the side, eventually collapsing from his chair. Chaos ripples through the crowd as the attendees start to scatter.
“After everyone realized there was a shot, there were screams and panicked students running away,” a UVU student told WIRED by text message. The student, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, said they were “directly across” from Kirk on a nearby ledge when the shot was fired. The incident occurred around 12:30 pm local time, they said.
Kirk’s stop in Orem, Utah, was part of TP USA’s “American Comeback Tour,” where he staged his signature “prove me wrong” debates on campus. At Utah Valley University and Utah State University, the events sparked intense backlash: More than 6,000 students and faculty signed petitions urging Utah State administrators to cancel Kirk’s appearance later this month, arguing his presence conflicts with campus commitments to inclusivity. Critics described the tour as a “campus martyr” strategy designed to generate viral content whether through protests or cancellations.
Kirk, 31, cast the appearances as a defense of free speech and a chance to promote his brand of Christian nationalist conservatism.
Turning Point USA, which began in 2012 as a student group, has grown into a well-funded hub of right-wing activism. Along with its political advocacy arm, Turning Point Action, the organization has become a key player in the MAGA movement, channeling millions of dollars into “chase the vote” campaigns backed by election-denying candidates.
Additional reporting by Makena Kelly, Jake Lahut, Caroline Haskins, and Vittoria Elliott.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.