Charlie Kirk, the organizational powerhouse and former Indiana governor, shot on Wednesday. The assault took place at an event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was the chief host for a long segment of The American Comeback Tour. This event is sponsored by the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter at the university.
Kirk—executive director of the conservative campus group TPUSA—railed passionately to a crowd underneath a giant tent in the university’s atrium. In an instant, he was hit. His wife and two young children were at the event, sheltering from gunfire as the shooting unfolded. This created extreme fear for the safety of his family.
After the attack, several civic leaders voiced their outrage and solidarity with Kirk—including Vice President Kamala Harris. Donald Trump took to Truth Social, urging everyone to pray for Kirk, stating, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
In providing them, U.S. Senator JD Vance piqued interest with his comment that Kirk “is a good dude, a really good dude, and a young father.” Back in February, Fox News contributor Pete Hegseth gushed about Kirk, calling him “an amazing Christian, American, and human. However, may the healing hand of Jesus Christ be upon him.
The shocking incident has prompted bipartisan condemnation around the highly political and racially charged event. California Governor Gavin Newsom blasted the attack, denouncing it as “disgusting, vile and reprehensible.” We have to reject political violence in all of its forms wherever it happens across this country first and foremost.”
This kind of intolerance, as demonstrated by your recent attack on Charlie Kirk, cannot stand,” Newsom wrote. In the home of nonviolence, United States of America, we should all be the first to denounce political violence — in EVERY shape or form.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox sent a personal message of condolence and promise that the people behind the shooting would be “held fully accountable.” Cox continued saying, “Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of all political stripes need to join these groups in denouncing this move. Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie, his family and all those who loved him.”
In a statement shared with us, the FBI said that they are “actively monitoring the situation and are prepared to support the ongoing investigation as necessary.” Our agents will be on the scene in short order, and the FBI remains 100% behind our continuing response and investigation,” said Kash Patel.
Politicians from both sides of the aisle raised the alarm on Twitter. Ashley Moody said, “I pray for Charlie Kirk, the students, and this nation,” while Mike Lee called for prayers for Kirk and those attending the event.
As a young father and politically connected activist, Kirk has made himself ground zero for conservative establishment politics. There was a palpable excitement in the room at Utah Valley University to hear his thoughts on the national stage.