Charlie Kirk, the internet personality and cofounder of Turning Point USA, was shot on Wednesday afternoon at Utah Valley University (UVU), where he was holding an event. His condition is currently unknown.
UVU immediately went into lockdown, according to Deseret News. UVU police confirmed in an emergency bulletin that the shooting of a “visiting speaker” took place on campus.
Police say that a suspect is in custody. However, the BBC reports that the attacker has not been apprehended, according to a UVU spokesperson. The identity of the attacker is not currently known.
UVU police did not answer a call from WIRED. A TP USA spokesperson did not immediately respond to WIRED’s request for comment.
“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” FBI director Kash Patel said in a statement on X. “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 and investigation.”
Sandra Baker, a spokesperson for the FBI in Salt Lake City, tells WIRED in a statement, “We are aware of the incident and responding to the scene.”
Senator Mike Lee, of Utah, commented about the shooting in a post on X, saying that he’s “tracking the situation” at UVU and “praying for Charlie Kirk and the students there.” Vice President J.D. Vance likewise posted on X: “Saying a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and young father.
In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM.” The White House did not immediately respond to WIRED’s request for comment.
Videos of the shooting began to appear on social media on Wednesday afternoon, soon after reports of the shooting began to circulate.
Kirk’s stop in Utah was part of TP USA’s “American Comeback Tour,” where he staged his signature “prove me wrong” debates on campus. At Utah Valley University and Utah State University, the events sparked intense backlash: more than 6,000 students and faculty signed petitions urging Utah State administrators to cancel Kirk’s appearance later this month, arguing his presence conflicts with campus commitments to inclusivity. Critics described the tour as a “campus martyr” strategy designed to generate viral content whether through protests or cancellations.
Kirk, 31, cast the appearances as a defense of free speech and a chance to promote his brand of Christian nationalist conservatism.
Turning Point USA, which began in 2012 as a student group, has grown into a well-funded hub of right-wing activism. Along with its political advocacy arm, Turning Point Action, the organization has become a key player in the MAGA movement, channeling millions of dollars into “chase the vote” campaigns backed by election-denying candidates.
Additional reporting by Makena Kelly, Jake Lahut, and Caroline Haskins.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
