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Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative youth activist organization Turning Point USA, was shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, according to law enforcement sources.
A suspect is in custody, according to the university.
A single shot was fired on campus toward Kirk, a visiting speaker, shortly after noon, the school said.
“He was hit and taken from the location by his security,” the university said.
There was no immediate update on his condition.
In this July 15, 2024, file photo, CEO of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk speaks on stage on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images, FILE
President Donald Trump posted on social media: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”Â
FBI and ATF agents are on the scene, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency “stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation.”
Utah Sen. Mike Lee said he is “tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely.”
“Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there,” he said on social media.
In this May 28, 2025, file photo, Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk stands in the back of the room as President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing in ceremony for interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Jeanine Pirro in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images, FILE
Vice President JD Vance also said on X, “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he is being briefed “following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk” during the conservative political activist’s visit to the campus.
“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act,” he said on X.
In this Nov. 14, 2019, file photo, a. sign is shown on the campus of Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah.
Rick Bowmer/AP, FILE
The university was the first stop for Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour,” which is traveling to multiple college campuses around the country.
An event featuring Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday was expected to include a “prove me wrong” table, according to the tour’s website.
Ahead of Kirk’s visit to Utah Valley University, some students started an online petition asking university administrators to stop him from coming.
The tour has planned stops in Utah, Colorado, Minneapolis, Virginia and elsewhere, according to its website.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
