DENVER (KDVR) — Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a tour event at Utah Valley University.
President Donald Trump said Kirk was shot and killed at the event at Utah Valley University, just days before he was scheduled to appear in Fort Collins at Colorado State University on Thursday, Sept. 18, as part of The American Comeback Tour, which included his stop in Utah.
Videos posted to social media show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone at the university’s Sorensen Center courtyard, sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans, “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.”
A single shot rings out, and Kirk reaches up with his hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators gasp and scream. Some run away.
A suspect who was apprehended was released after officials determined they were not the suspect.
Trump ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff until Sunday at 6 p.m., saying it was in “honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot.”
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump said further on his social media platform Truth Social. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
The Turning Point USA CSU chapter posted to Instagram, asking for prayers for Kirk, but didn’t share anything further.
“We are profoundly saddened and shaken by the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. His life was cut short by an act of violence that should never have happened,” the Colorado House GOP shared on X after Trump announced Kirk’s death.
Before his death was announced, the group shared another statement about the matter.
“We are deeply saddened by the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Political violence has no place in our nation. Regardless of party or ideology, every American has the right to speak freely and participate in public life without fear of violence.
“Charlie was scheduled to be in Colorado in just two days to meet with legislators at the Truth and Liberty Conference. This senseless act of violence has shaken many of us who were preparing to welcome him to our state.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk, his family, and all who were impacted. We stand united in condemning this attack and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all who engage in the democratic process.”
It was not clear if authorities were still searching the campus for a suspect.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
