Charlie Kirk Dead at 31: Conservative Activist’s Sudden Passing Shocks Supporters

Orem, Utah — Conservative political activist and commentator Charlie Kirk has died following a shooting at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Tuesday, September 10, 2025. He was 31 years old.

The incident occurred during a Turning Point USA event on campus as part of the organization’s “The American Comeback Tour.” Kirk, co-founder and president of Turning Point USA, was reportedly shot in the neck during a Q&A session attended by hundreds of students and protesters.

Details of the Incident

According to witnesses and video footage circulating online, a single shot was fired around 1:00 p.m. local time while Kirk was on stage engaging with attendees. The bullet appeared to strike him in the neck. The university initially reported that the shot had been fired from the top of a nearby building, approximately 200 yards away from the event site.

Early statements from UVU officials indicated that a suspect had been taken into custody. However, the university later clarified that the individual was released and is not currently under arrest. No further details regarding the suspect or possible motive have been released at this time.

Turning Point USA confirmed Kirk’s death in a statement to TMZ, saying:

“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA’s ‘The American Comeback Tour’ campus event at Utah Valley University. May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. Please respect their privacy and dignity during this time.”

Reaction and Legacy

Former President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s passing via his social media platform, Truth Social, writing:

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”

Kirk rose to national prominence after founding Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting conservative values on high school and college campuses across the United States. Over the years, Kirk became a prominent and often controversial figure in right-wing politics, gaining a large following through viral videos and confrontational public debates.

He was also a vocal supporter of President Trump and frequently promoted discredited claims of widespread voter fraud following the 2020 election. In connection with the January 6 Capitol riot investigation, Kirk appeared before a House Committee after Turning Point USA provided buses for attendees. He invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during questioning, though his legal team claimed to have submitted thousands of pages of documentation.

Personal Life

Charlie Kirk met Erika Frantzve in 2018, and the couple married in 2021. They are survived by two children — a daughter born in 2022 and a son born in 2024.

Kirk’s death has prompted an outpouring of reactions from political figures, supporters, and critics alike, as investigations into the shooting continue.