Charlie Kirk, founder and CEO of the conservative media group Turning Point USA, was fatally shot Wednesday afternoon while speaking during an event at Utah Valley University, according to The Associated Press and NBC.
Social media videos depict Kirk speaking under a tent adorned with his popularized phrases “Prove Me Wrong” and “The American Comeback” during a debate at his American Comeback Tour. According to coverage alongside videos of the shooting, only a single shot was fired that hit Kirk’s neck while he was allegedly speaking on the issue of gun violence and transgender mass shooters.
An initial suspect was previously confirmed to be in custody, but they were later determined not to be the shooter. The shooter remains at large with no details yet released about the shooter’s identity, according to a source at University of Utah Police Department. The shot was allegedly taken from a nearby building, several hundreds of feet away.
Sacramento State President Luke Wood responded to the situation in an X post.
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 with Bill Montgomery, who died in 2020 to COVID-19. Since then, Kirk has been popular in conservative media with his political commentary and debate. President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social following the report of Kirk’s death.
Former president of College Republicans at Sac State Marissa Forte said that she is devastated and overwhelmed. Forte met Kirk at his American Comeback Tour stop in San Francisco this July.
“He was a big figure for us, and without him, I just hope the movement can continue,” Forte said.
Forte said that Kirk played a large role in mobilizing young Republicans on campus. She said she felt Kirk’s influence helped student organizations, like TPUSA and CRS, become strong allies and engage in civil discourse with groups like College Democrats at Sac State.
“Knowing that was the last time I would shake his hand or see him up close in person is just mind-blowing,” Forte said.
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Kirk’s death has sparked bipartisan support condemning political violence. Vice President JD Vance, former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom have all responded to the situation. Trump has ordered U.S. flags to be at half mast until Sunday evening, a ceremony typically reserved for the death of a principal government figure or in the aftermath of a national tragedy.
Turning Point USA also released a statement confirming Kirk’s death and asking people to respect the privacy of his family.
“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.“
Sac State’s Chapter of Turning Point USA was reached out to for comment but has yet to respond at the time of publication.
Additional reporting by Molly Mellon
