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.
On September 10, 2025, Kirk was at Utah Valley University during his American Comeback tour, addressing a crowd of about 3,000 students. The shooting occurred when a member of the audience asked him a question, after which a single shot rang out, reportedly fired from the roof of the Losee Center.
Kirk slumped in his chair, suffering a visible neck wound, as screams erupted and the crowd fled in panic. This tragic event has reignited discussions about political violence in the United States.
The FBI has since released photographs of a person of interest and reported recovering a high-powered bolt-action rifle in a wooded area nearby. Kirk's shooting comes amidst a backdrop of rising politically motivated violence in the US, with recent data revealing a significant increase in attacks.
Kirk was a co-founder of Turning Point USA, an organization aimed at promoting conservative values on college campuses. Despite being a polarizing figure, he was praised by supporters for his role in mobilizing young voters during the Trump administration.
The incident has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum, with former President Trump and others expressing grief and commemorating his influence.
As the manhunt for the gunman continues, experts warn that this incident marks a troubling trend of escalating political violence, with implications that extend beyond individual acts of aggression.
