Utah Valley University shooting: StudentS Question to Charlie Kirk Preceded On-Stage attack
OREM, Utah – A student’s question to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk promptly preceded a shooting at Utah Valley University on Thursday, September 11, 2025. The incident occurred during a stop on Kirk’s college campus tour, sparking a police investigation and a national conversation about political violence and the spread of misinformation.
The student, identified as Hunter kozak, had posed a question to Kirk regarding transgender people and their alleged role in mass shootings. According to witnesses and reporting from The New York Times, a shot rang out moments after Kozak finished speaking. Kirk was unharmed.
Kozak, a frequent critic of kirk and right-wing rhetoric, had previously attended Kirk’s events to document his statements and offer counter-arguments. His social media channels feature satirical interviews with Kirk supporters and challenges to claims made by Kirk and others regarding transgender individuals. In a series of recent TikTok videos, including one with over 1 million views, kozak directly refuted assertions that transgender people are disproportionately likely to be involved in mass shootings.
“I couldn’t have asked a worse question,” Kozak told The New York Times, expressing anguish over the timing and potential misinterpretation of his inquiry. He had debated asking about other topics, including Jeffrey Epstein, before settling on the question about mass shootings.
The shooting has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum. While acknowledging strong disagreements with Kirk’s views,Kozak expressed horror at the attack and criticized those on the left who appeared to celebrate Kirk’s near-fatal encounter. “As much as I disagree with Charlie, I appreciate that’s what he centred his campaign on – freedom of speech,” Kozak said.He also emphasized the human cost of the incident,noting,”That’s a dad. The fact that a son is growing up without a father – that is inexcusable.”
Kozak and his wife had recently welcomed their second child, spending the days leading up to the event in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. They attended Kirk’s rally believing it was meaningful to hear his arguments and articulate their own perspectives.
Kirk’s campus tour was intended to foster debate with those holding opposing viewpoints. The incident at Utah Valley University has raised concerns about the safety of political events and the potential for escalating rhetoric to incite violence.
