Questions mount over event security after fatal shooting

Law enforcement officials are facing questions over the security of the event at Utah Valley University, where thousands of students turned up to hear Charlie Kirk debate members of the crowd.

Despite the large attendance, there were just six officers to patrol the gathering of more than 3000 people, Jeff Long, Chief of Police at Utah Valley University, said at a press conference. Plain clothes officers were stood in the crowd, alongside Kirk's own personal security team.

However, it appears that the shooter was stationed 200 metres away on top of a college building when they took the shot that claimed Kirk's life, according to initial reports. A suspect was later detained on this rooftop and taken into custody.

Police Chief Long gave a faltering answer when grilled on the shooting, saying: “We trained for these things. And you think you have things covered. And these things, unfortunately, they happen. You try to get your bases covered. And unfortunately, today we didn’t, and because of that, we had this tragic incident."

US Congress holds moment of silence for Kirk

The fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk while speaking to students in Utah has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum, with former President Obama and Kamala Harris paying their condolences and decrying the worrying rise of violence in the US.

A moment of silence even fell over the bitterly divided House of Representatives in the wake of his death, with lawmakers hanging their heads while the halls of Congress became eerily quiet for around 30 seconds.

However, the New York Times has reported that this moment of unity did not last long, with far-right Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert calling on Speaker Johnson to lead a vocal prayer for the fallen activist. This led to jeers from Democrats, who accused the other side of ignoring a school shooting earlier in the day that left two dead.

Person of interest acted alone, authorities say

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said there is nothing to suggest another person is involved.

Speaking to media, he said: "At this point, there is no information that would lead us to believe that there is a second person involved."

FBI Director's statement following arrest

FBI Director Kash Patel said the person of interest in the fatal shooting is now in custody.

He said: "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."

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

Suspect in custody, says FBI Director

The suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk is in custody, says FBI Director Kash Patel.

Shooting 'in direct opposition to our values,' says Orem mayor

Orem Mayor Dave Young said the shooting of Charlie Kirk is "in direct opposition to our values."

He said in a statement: "As a community, we are praying for Charlie’s family at this difficult time.

"We are also mindful of the hundreds of students and community members who witnessed this horrific event.

"Utah’s campuses should always be spaces where differing perspectives can be shared and debated with respect. Efforts to restrict that freedom have no place here."

Keir Starmer issues statement following Kirk's death

Keir Starmer has issued a statement following the death of Charlie Kirk.

He said: "My thoughts this evening are with the loved ones of Charlie Kirk.

"It is heartbreaking that a young family has been robbed of a father and a husband.

My thoughts this evening are with the loved ones of Charlie Kirk.

It is heartbreaking that a young family has been robbed of a father and a husband.

We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear - there can be no justification for political violence.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 10, 2025

Turning Point USA issues statement following killing

Turning Point USA said in a statement: "It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA's 'The American Comeback Tour' campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

"May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie.

"We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers.

"We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time."

pic.twitter.com/JbWK9BNnbR

— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) September 10, 2025

Joe Biden calls for an end to political violence

Former President Joe Biden said he and his wife were praying for Charlie Kirk's family.

He added: "There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now."

Charlie Kirk's haunting last words before he was shot dead at Utah Valley University

The final words of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, before he was tragically shot and killed at a Utah event, have been circulated on social media.

The horrific incident took place on Wednesday at Utah Valley University, at around 12.25pm local time. The 31 year old commentator was addressing attendees through a handheld microphone whilst seated beneath a white marquee displaying the messages "The American Comeback" and "Prove Me Wrong" just moments before the shooting occurred.

He was in the midst of a discussion about gun violence in the U.S. when he was shot by an unidentified gunman, who remains on the loose. Kirk lurched forward as blood started to pour from his neck. He then collapsed from his chair as terrified students scattered from the scene.

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Charlie Kirk's family life - from wife with unlikely job to two young children

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and fervent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has been shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

The incident occurred around 12:25pm local time in the university's quad near the campus food court An update from President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform has since confirmed that Kirk has passed away after being shot in the neck.

He wrote, "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. 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!"

To read more, click here

Obama bemoans "despicable violence' following shooting

Former US President Barack Obama hit out at the act of violence in a post shared to social media.

He said: "We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.

"Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children."

We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 10, 2025

Flags to be lowered to half-mast

President Trump has ordered American flags to be lowered to half-mast following the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.

They will be lowered until Sunday evening at 6pm in Kirk's memory.

27 fatal shootings in Utah this year

There have been 27 fatal shootings in Utah this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

The total includes murder, accidental and firearms being used to take a person's own life.

The state allows for the possession of firearms on college or university campuses.

Who is Charlie Kirk? Young MAGA star behind Turning Point USA shot at Utah rally

Gunshots rang out at an event hosted by conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, according to police.

Utah Valley University police confirmed that the campus was placed under shelter-in-place protocols following the incident, though they declined to provide details about Kirk's condition.

Turning Point USA has verified that Kirk was struck by gunfire during an event for the conservative youth organisation.

"We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie," said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA.

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Charlie Kirk's tweet before fatal shooting

Charlie Kirk's account posted a tweet just moments before he was shot.

He said: "WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour."

Trump confirms Kirk has died

Donald Trump has confirmed Charlie Kirk has died.

The President said on TruthSocial: "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead.

"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!"

Shooting 'detestable,' says Speaker Johnson

Speaker Mike Johnson entered the House chamber where a moment of silence was held for Charlie Kirk.

He branded the shooting "detestable."

He added: "Political violence has become all too common in American society, and this is not who we are.

"We need every political figure, we need everyone who has a platform to say this loudly and clearly.

"We can settle disagreements and disputes in a civil manner, and political violence must be called out, and it has to stop.”

'It looks very bad,' says Trump

Donald Trump said the sitation "looks very bad" for Charlie Kirk.

The US President was asked about Kirk's condition by New York Post reporter Diana Nerozzi, to which he responded: "It looks very bad."

The US president said: "Not good. He was a very, very good friend of mine and he was a tremendous person."

I asked Trump about how Charlie Kirk is doing.

"He's not doing well," he said on the phone. "It looks very bad."

How Trump is feeling: "Not good. He was a very, very good friend of mine and he was a tremendous person."

— Diana Nerozzi (@diana_nerozzi) September 10, 2025

People got down 'in waves,'

Andrew Piskadlo was standing in the campus amphitheater when the shooting took place.

The 28-year-old told the New York Times: "It was surprising, and no one really got down until the people in front of the stage did.

"People got down in waves."

University is closed following shooting

Utah Valley Universiy is closed following the shooting, a spokesperson has said.

The spokesperson added: "UVU campus is closed. Classes cancelled.

"Those on campus, secure in place until police officers can escort you safely off campus.

"We ask for your patience throughout this process.

"We are providing updates as best as possible. This is an ongoing and unfolding event."

UVU campus is closed. Classes cancelled. Those on campus, secure in place until police officers can escort you safely off campus.

We ask for your patience throughout this process. We are providing updates as best as possible. This is an ongoing and unfolding event.

— UVU (@UVU) September 10, 2025

Police say person taken into custody was not shooting suspect, reports

The New York Times has reported the person taken into custody following the shooter was not actually the suspect one who allegedly fired at Charlie Kirk.

Scott Trotter, a university spokesperson, told the outlet about the new update.

The university previously said a suspect was in custody.

Charlie Kirk in 'critical condition,' source says

Charlie Kirk is in a "critical condition" after he was shot in the neck, a source has told AP.

The law official said he was in a critical condition at a Utah hospital.

Kamala Harris sends prayers to Kirk and his family

Former Vice President and Democratic candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election, Kamala Harris has offered prayers to Kirk and his family.

She said: "I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie

"Kirk and his family. Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence."

Shooting is latest instance of political violence in US

The shooting of right wing activist Charlie Kirk is the latest tragic instance of polittical violence in the US.

Donald Trump was shot at during a rally for the race to the White House back in July last year. He received minor injuries to his ear.

A Minnesota lawmaker and her husband were assassinated at their home in June with a hit list being found in the suspect's car.

What we know

Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck at the American Comeback Tour event at Utah Valley University.

He was rushed to hospital shortly afterward.

A suspect, who was not a student, has been arrested.

The suspect is alleged to have shot at Kirk from a distance of 200 yards.

Turning Point USA says Kirk is in hospital

A spokesperson for Turning Point USA, the organisation Kirk works for, confirmed he is in hospital.

Aubrey Laitsch said: "This is an ongoing situation. We can confirm that Charlie Kirk has been shot.

"He is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time."

Kirk talking about shooters when shot, says witness

Kirk was asked about shooters who were transgender in the moments before he was shot.

Kirk was asked about question about shooters when the shot happened.

Witnesses describe moment of shooting

Emma Pitts and Eva Terry, reporters for Deseret News, described the moment of the shooting.

Shots rang out minutes into Kirk's talk with Pitts saying they heard a gunshot and seeing "Charlie go limp," she told CNN.

"His neck kind of turned, and we saw blood immediately.”

University spokesperson says suspect fired from building 200 yards away

A Utah Valley University spokesperson has said the suspect fired from a building 200 yards away.

Ellen Treanor said the suspect was at the Losee Center when the shooting happened.

The suspect, who was not a student, was taken into custody, reports the New York Times.