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Shooting at Charlie Kirk Event in Utah Leaves One Injured
OREM, Utah – A shooting occured during a Charlie Kirk event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Thursday evening, leaving one individual injured. The incident took place as Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking to a crowd as part of his “American Comeback Tour.”
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots as Kirk was concluding his remarks. Dechene, who attended the event, expressed her distress, stating, “I’m sad. I hope he pulls through. He has a wife and children.” The UVU Police Department confirmed shots were fired, and an investigation is underway. The shooting underscores the escalating tensions surrounding political events and raises concerns about safety at public gatherings. Authorities have not yet released details about the shooter or the motive.
Kirk himself had shared photos and video from the event on X (formerly Twitter) just moments before the shooting, writing, “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. 🔥🔥🔥. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American comeback Tour.”
The incident prompted a swift response from figures across the political spectrum. Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, a survivor of a 2011 assassination attempt, released a statement on social media emphasizing that “violence is never an option,” and that disagreements should not be “confronted wiht violence.”
turning Point USA, the association sponsoring Kirk’s tour, describes its mission as identifying, educating, training, and organizing students to promote ”the principles of fiscal duty, free markets, and limited government.”
Details remain scarce as the investigation continues. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
