Charlie Kirk assassinated during event at Utah Valley University

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed on Wednesday afternoon after a single shot hit him in a targeted attack. He was 31 years old.

While speaking on campus at Utah Valley University, a shot was fired. A large crowd had gathered on the campus to hear the message spread by Turning Point USA and Kirk.

Kirk co-founded the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. The organization's mission is to promote conservative principles on high school, college, and university campuses. Its mission targets students through speaking events and the production of media content.

Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action heavily influenced young voters during the 2024 election season. Kirk has endorsed Donald Trump previously and supported his campaign.

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

This targeted attack comes amid a spike in attacks on political figures in the United States, regardless of ideological affiliation.

Utah Valley University issued a university statement saying that the campus would remain closed and classes would be canceled until further notice. Those still on campus were asked to stay in place until police officers could safely escort them off campus.

There are a few details known regarding the shooter. They wore dark clothing and fired from a roof on campus some distance away. FBI Director Kash Patel, who earlier in the day posted on social media that a “subject” had been taken into custody, later wrote that the person had been released after being questioned.

The Utah Department of Public Safety has also confirmed no one is currently in custody in the investigation into Kirk’s killing.

Flags at the White House were dropped to half-staff.

Hannah Neurohr is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email hmn5264@psu.edu.