Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA, was shot on Wednesday while speaking at an event hosted by the TPUSA chapter at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Video footage shows Kirk being struck in the neck while seated under a tent during the outdoor event, with attendees seen fleeing and ducking for cover as gunshots rang out.
According to a university spokesperson, a single shot was fired from the top of the Losee Center building.
Scott Trotter, senior director of Public Relations at Utah Valley University in Orem, told the BBC that the shot rang out at at 12:25 local time, “a single shot rang out in the quad near the food court on the Utah Valley University Orem Campus as Mr. Charlie Kirk began speaking at his planned rally.”
“We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition,” Trotter said, adding that the campus is closed for the rest of the day.
Campus police reported on X that a suspect is in custody.
“Today at about 12:10 a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk. He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating, a suspect is in custody,” the post said.
President Donald trump has reacted to the shocking news on Truth Social.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot,” he wrote. “A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Vice-President JD Vance also reacted to the shooting, writing on X: “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” he posted.
More reactions, via BBC:
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth: “Prayers for Charlie Kirk. An incredible Christian, American, and human being. May the healing hand of Jesus Christ be upon him.”
Attorney General Pamela Bondi: “FBI and ATF agents are on the way. PRAY FOR CHARLIE.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.): “Please join us in praying for our good friend, Charlie Kirk.”
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr: “We love you Charlie Kirk. Praying for you.”
The Daily Caller’s Geoffrey Ingersoll reported on X that Kirk “has been stabilized against all odds and is in the hospital receiving blood.”