Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks during a campaign rally, Oct. 24, 2024, in Las Vegas.
John Locher | AP
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University.
“What we know currently is that Charlie Kirk was about 20 minutes into his presentation when we heard shots fired from a nearby building and to the best of our knowledge he was hit and taken with his security team away from the premises, and the courtyard was cleared,” a UVU spokeswoman said.
The university said at least one shot was fired at Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA and head of multiple related political organizations.
Kirk was at Utah Valley University for the first stop on Turning Point’s “American Comeback Tour,” according to the group’s website. The event featured Kirk seated at his “prove me wrong table,” a format in which he debates with people who challenge his views.
A vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, Kirk promoted the president’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen in favor of Joe Biden, and his group reportedly worked with the Trump campaign during the 2024 cycle.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
“A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump wrote.
FBI Director Kash Patel said, “We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.”
“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,” Patel said.
Shortly before the news of the shooting broke, Kirk’s official X account tweeted about the event.
“WE. ARE. SO. BACK,” Kirk wrote. “Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.”
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