Charlie Kirk dies after being shot at Utah university; Person of interest in custody
Sep 10, 2025, 12:29 PM | Updated: 6:11 pm
Charlie Kirk, a rightwing activist and media personality, has died after he was shot Wednesday while hosting an event on a college campus in Utah.
President Donald Trump confirmed his death on Truth Social.
Person of interest in custody
The Utah governor said there is a “person of interest” in custody during a press conference Wednesday.
However, officials also said, “We will find you.”
Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X that the shooter is in custody.
The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi.
We will provide updates when able.— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025
Patel later posted an update that the person was released, and the investigation continues.
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
Seattle vigil for Charlie Kirk
There are plans for a vigil for Kirk in Seattle in Westlake Park Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Utah Senator Mike Lee posted about the attack on X.
I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 10, 2025
Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization that Kirk co-founded and is the executive director of, confirmed that Kirk was shot.
Kirk was visiting Utah Valley University for The American Comeback Tour, which is hosted by the Turning Point USA chapter at Utah Valley. He is known to frequent college campuses and debate political topics with students.
Utah Valley University confirmed that one bullet was fired during the event.
Videos showed Kirk reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushed from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away. The Associated Press was able to confirm the videos were taken at the Sorensen Center courtyard on the Utah Valley University campus, where Kirk was scheduled to speak on Wednesday.
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom posted on X.
Utah Representative shares eyewitness testimony on Fox News
Former Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, a Republican who was at the event, said in an interview on the Fox News Channel that he heard one shot and saw Kirk go back.
“It seemed like it was a close shot,” Chaffetz said, who seemed shaken as he spoke.
He said there was a light police presence at the event and Kirk had some security but not enough.
“Utah is one of the safest places on the planet,” he said. “And so we just don’t have these types of things.”
Bipartisan support pours out from Congress
Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut: “We are all horrified watching the images and following the news out of Utah, and we are sending all of our thoughts to Mr. Kirk, to his family, to survivors there,” he said from the Senate floor
Rep. Ro Khanna of California: “The shooting of Charlie Kirk at a university is chilling & horrific. Political violence has no place in America. We all must reflect on how we can tone down the anger & hate that has poisoned our politics and be better citizens in a divided and aching nation.”
Republican Senate Leader John Thune of South Dakota: “There is no place in our country for political violence. Period, full stop.”
Sen. Patty Murray of Washington: “Political violence is never acceptable. It’s really that simple. We can’t have a democracy otherwise. I hope Mr. Kirk makes a full recovery. My thoughts are with his family.”
Utah Valley University is the state’s largest public university
With nearly 47,000 students, Utah Valley University has grown to become the largest public university in Utah.
It’s located about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City, the state capital, and was founded in 1941 as a vocation school. From those beginnings, its enrollment has jumped five-fold over the past three decades.
The college is not affiliated or owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known widely as the Mormon church.
Charlie Kirk speaks at University of Washington
Charlie Kirk spoke at the University of Washington in May 2024.
However, his event was protested by pro-Palestinian supporters who had set up a “liberated zone,” Seattle Red 770 AM reported.
They argued Kirk’s ability to speak on campus jeopardized their First Amendment rights.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
Contributing: The Associated Press; Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest
Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.
