Trump Claims Charlie Kirk Died Following Shooting at Utah University Event
OREM, Utah – Former president Donald Trump stated Wednesday that conservative activist Charlie Kirk died after being shot during an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University.NPR is working to independently confirm Kirk’s death and details surrounding the incident.
The shooting occurred around 12:10 p.m. local time as Kirk, founder and head of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was beginning the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour” at the university. Trump announced the news in a post on his Truth Social platform, writing, “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.”
Utah valley University officials confirmed a shot was fired toward Kirk, who was then secured by his security team and transported from the location. The university initially detained an individual but later released them as the investigation remains active, according to spokeswoman Ellen Treanor. Campus buildings were subsequently locked down as police conducted a search.
Turning Point USA confirmed to The Associated Press that Kirk was shot, but did not immediately respond to requests for comment from NPR. Video circulating on social media appears to show Kirk being struck during the event, though NPR has not yet verified the authenticity of the footage.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced via X (formerly Twitter) that federal agents are en route to the scene and monitoring the situation.
Kirk’s appearance at Utah Valley University was hosted by a student group. The “American Comeback Tour” was scheduled to include 15 stops at college campuses nationwide.
