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A person suspected of shooting and killing conservative influencer Charlie Kirk on a roof in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025, in a still from video. Utah Department of Public Safety via FBI/screenshot via The Epoch Times
A person suspected of shooting and killing conservative influencer Charlie Kirk on a roof in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025, in a still from video. Utah Department of Public Safety via FBI/screenshot via The Epoch Times
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Utah Governor Vows to Pursue Death Penalty in Kirk Killing
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Utah Governor Warns of Russian, Chinese Disinformation After Kirk Killing
Charlie Kirk Assassination Stirs Fears of Rising Political Violence
Flowers and pictures were placed by mourners at a makeshift memorial for Charlie Kirk outside the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, on Sept. 11, 2025. Phill Magakoe/AFP via Getty Images
Flowers and pictures were placed by mourners at a makeshift memorial for Charlie Kirk outside the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, on Sept. 11, 2025. Phill Magakoe/AFP via Getty Images
The Sept. 10 death of Charlie Kirk—the highest-profile U.S. political figure to be assassinated in nearly six decades—represents a tipping point for the nation, legal scholars and others told The Epoch Times. How leaders and the populace react to it could determine whether the tide of political violence continues to rise or recedes.
The 31-year-old father of two was fatally shot in the neck as he spoke on a Utah college campus. As of Sept. 11, the gunman remained unidentified and on the loose; police detained two people but released both after questioning.
Susan MacManus, a Florida political scholar for a half-century, said Kirk’s slaying could spark important changes.
Colleges Fire Employees Over Remarks About Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
People lay flowers and items in memory of Charlie Kirk at Timpanogos Regional Hospital, in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
People lay flowers and items in memory of Charlie Kirk at Timpanogos Regional Hospital, in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Several universities have terminated employees who made what they described as inappropriate remarks about the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
Cumberland University, a private liberal arts college in Lebanon, Tennessee, said on Sept. 12 it was firing a faculty member and a staff member. They made “inappropriate comments on the internet related to the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk,” Cumberland President Paul Stumb said in a statement.
Middle Tennessee State University terminated a worker who “offered inappropriate and callous comments on social media concerning the horrific and tragic murder of Charlie Kirk,” Sidney McPhee, president of the university, said in a statement on Sept. 10.
People lay flowers and items in memory of Charlie Kirk at Timpanogos Regional Hospital, in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
People lay flowers and items in memory of Charlie Kirk at Timpanogos Regional Hospital, in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
OREM, Utah—The assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10 has reverberated across the United States and beyond.
On Thursday, in Orem, where Kirk was killed while speaking to students, shock, sadness, and even anger were palpable under the high desert sun. So too was appreciation for the 31-year-old’s faith in God and his commitment to peaceful political debate.
Law enforcement patrolled Utah Valley University, the scene of the crime.
Utah Governor Vows to Pursue Death Penalty in Kirk Killing
People pay their respects to Charlie Kirk at a memorial at the Turning Point USA national headquarters in Phoenix on Sept. 10, 2025. Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo
People pay their respects to Charlie Kirk at a memorial at the Turning Point USA national headquarters in Phoenix on Sept. 10, 2025. Ross D. Franklin/AP Photo
Charlie Kirk leaves behind big shoes to fill and a hard path ahead, according to those he inspired. They say his life and his shocking death challenge young conservatives to create a future in which civil debate and discourse, not violence, define the democracy they love.
“I don’t think anyone will be able to fill his shoes, but I hope that he will be able to inspire an entire generation of people to live more boldly, for their faith, for their families, and for their freedom, because right now, our country needs that more than ever,” said Gunnar Thorderson, a former Turning Point USA organizer at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, where Kirk, 31, was assassinated on Sept. 10.
“I hope that he inspires an entire generation to become more like him and actually live boldly in their beliefs and in their faith,” he told The Epoch Times on Sept. 11.
Charlie Kirk’s Killing Galvanizes Young Conservatives in Utah
Arizonans mourn Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk outside of the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sept. 12, 2025. Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images
Arizonans mourn Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk outside of the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sept. 12, 2025. Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images
For many young conservatives, Charlie Kirk was a political first love. In the rising conservative star’s public events at college campuses—where he cheerily entertained questions, sometimes hostile ones, from audience members of all political persuasions—they saw a hopeful rejoinder to the rancor of campus politics and to political isolation.
The Sept. 10 assassination of Kirk at just such an event in Utah is not deterring them, but rather galvanizing a generation to continue in his footsteps, some told The Epoch Times.
“To watch him go into the hornets’ nest and hold his ground and be bold in what he believed in, it was just incredibly inspiring—not only to me, but I can guarantee it was for thousands of people my age,” said Tyler Boyles, 23, chairman of the Utah Federation of College Republicans.
Additional photos released by the FBI, along with a message urging the public to help identify a "person of interest" in relation to the Sept. 10 fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. FBI
Ben Shapiro, political commentator and editor emeritus for The Daily Wire, speaks in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 22, 2018. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times
Ben Shapiro, political commentator and editor emeritus for The Daily Wire, speaks in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 22, 2018. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times
Conservative firebrand Ben Shapiro on Sept. 11 disputed rumors about canceling a speaking tour following the assassination of his friend Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University and vowed to continue “telling the truth.”
Shapiro spoke out following the postponement of a book signing scheduled for the night before at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Southern California.
“I saw a lot of rumors online ... that I canceled some college tour,” Shapiro said in an impassioned video statement on X. “They are false. I will be coming to college campuses, many of them this year. So will we all, I am sure. Because we’re Americans. We are not going to be deterred. Charlie’s voice is not silent.
OREM, Utah—Jeremy King came to hear Charlie Kirk speak at Utah Valley University with his wife, Amy.
“We showed up right as Charlie was getting out of his Escalade,” King told The Epoch Times outside Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where mourners have set up bouquets, flags, and other tributes to the late conservative influencer.
Jeremy King stands near items and flowers in honor of Charlie Kirk, outside Timpanogos Regional Hospital, in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Trump Says He Has ‘An Indication’ of Shooter’s Motive
President Donald Trump said he has “an indication” of the motive behind Charlie Kirk’s slaying.
President Donald Trump departs the White House on Sept. 11, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
"I have an indication, yeah, but we'll let you know about that later," he said before departing the White House for a baseball game to commemorate 9/11 at Yankee Stadium in New York City.
TikTok Will Remove Videos of Kirk’s Assassination, Rep. Luna Says
OREM, Utah—American flags, flowers, signs, and other tributes have been placed outside Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where Kirk was taken after being shot during an event at nearby Utah Valley University.
A vigil for the late conservative influencer will take place at a nearby park later on Thursday evening.
People lay flowers and items in memory of Charlie Kirk outside Timpanogos Regional Hospital, in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Trump Received Texts, Calls From Foreign Leaders on Kirk, Wiles Says
Police officers monitor the crime scene area a day after the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Trump Jr. Broke News of Kirk’s Death to His Father
Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks at a Turning Point event in Mesa, Ariz, on Sept. 4, 2024. Ross D. Franklin/ AP Photo
Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks at a Turning Point event in Mesa, Ariz, on Sept. 4, 2024. Ross D. Franklin/ AP Photo
Actor Chris Pratt and country singer Jason Aldean are among the many celebrities posting tributes online to mourn the death on Sept. 10 of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University.
The conservative influencer was on the first stop of “The American Comeback Tour,” an initiative that promoted public discourse between the political commentator and college students at various schools across the country.
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking to a large crowd of students at the Orem, Utah-based college campus. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police Respond to Bomb Threat at DNC Headquarters, Find No Bomb
The Democratic National Headquarters building in Washington on Jan. 30, 2018. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times
The Democratic National Headquarters building in Washington on Jan. 30, 2018. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times
Law enforcement officers on Sept. 11 rushed to the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in Washington after learning of a potential bomb threat, but found no bomb, a U.S. Capitol Police spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an email.
U.S. Capitol Police became aware of the threat at approximately 1:07 p.m.
“Officers immediately responded,” the spokesperson said.
Charlie Kirk, founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, speaks at the High School Leadership Summit, at George Washington University in Washington on July 26, 2018. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times
Charlie Kirk, founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, speaks at the High School Leadership Summit, at George Washington University in Washington on July 26, 2018. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times
One day after the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, tributes and condolences are pouring in from his colleagues on social media.
“I can’t process this,” liberal-turned-conservative Candace Owens posted on X, with a broken heart emoji. She and Kirk were longtime friends who rose to prominence together in the conservative movement. The pair engaged in a wide-ranging interview in 2022, where they reminisced over 10 years on the job together and their lives as new parents.
Conservative talk show host Ben Shapiro posted a video of himself reciting Psalm 23 shortly after it was announced that Kirk had succumbed to his injury.
‘Disbelief’ on Utah Campus After Kirk Assassination
OREM, Utah—Neil, a man holding an upside-down American flag on the Utah Valley University campus Thursday, told The Epoch Times he knew three people who were present at the Charlie Kirk event on Sept. 10.
Supporter "Neal" waves an upside down American flag as a sign of a "nation in distress" one day after the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
The Utah Valley University alumnus, who said his son attends the school, said the attendees he knew were in “disbelief—shocked.”
EU President Rejects Moment of Silence Request for Kirk, Citing Procedure
OREM, Utah—Koby Herrera, a student at Utah Valley University, told The Epoch Times he was present at the Sept. 10 event where Charlie Kirk was shot and killed.
Utah Valley University student Koby Herrera stands near flowers placed at a makeshift memorial for Charlie Kirk in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
“I woke up today kind of hoping I woke up from a nightmare,” Herrera said.
Photos released by the FBI, along with a message urging the public to help identify the suspect in relation to the Sept. 10 fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. FBI
House Speaker Says Congress is Expediting Member Security Review After Charlie Kirk Assassination
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 11, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 11, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Congress is considering granting its members more armed personal protection after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was assassinated in Utah on Sept. 10.
Kirk was assassinated by an unknown shooter while speaking to an outdoor crowd of students at Utah Valley University.
The killer fired a single shot at Kirk from 200 yards away, which hit him in the neck and caused a visible loss of blood.
US State Department Warns Visa Holders Against Cheering Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
Charlie Kirk, conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, speaks to supporters of President Donald Trump at a rally outside the Maricopa County Recorder's Office in Phoenix, Ariz., on Nov. 6, 2020. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File
Charlie Kirk, conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, speaks to supporters of President Donald Trump at a rally outside the Maricopa County Recorder's Office in Phoenix, Ariz., on Nov. 6, 2020. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File
The deputy secretary of state on Thursday called on people to report foreign visa applicants and holders in the United States if they’ve expressed statements praising, making light of, or rationalizing the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The conservative commentator was killed on Wednesday at a college campus in Utah.
“In light of yesterday’s horrific assassination of a leading political figure, I want to underscore that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country. I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light of the event, and have directed our consular officials to undertake appropriate action,” Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote in a statement on social media.
He also wrote, “Please feel free to bring such comments by foreigners to my attention so that the @StateDept can protect the American people.”
MSNBC Fires Matthew Dowd Over Comments on Assassination of Charlie Kirk
Matthew Dowd, chief campaign strategist for the Bush-Cheney 2004 presidential campaign, speaks at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock, Ark., on Sept. 2, 2009. Danny Johnston/AP Photo
Matthew Dowd, chief campaign strategist for the Bush-Cheney 2004 presidential campaign, speaks at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock, Ark., on Sept. 2, 2009. Danny Johnston/AP Photo
WASHINGTON—MSNBC has fired Matthew Dowd as an analyst following comments he made following the Sept. 10 shooting death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, a network source told The Epoch Times.
Appearing on the network during live coverage of the incident on Sept. 10, Dowd suggested that Kirk had it coming.
“He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger, figures in this who has constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to hateful thoughts lead to hateful words which then lead to hateful actions. And I think that’s the environment that we’re in,” he said.
Trump Says He’ll Speak With Kirk Family This Afternoon
President Donald Trump speaks during a September 11th observance event in the courtyard of the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 11, 2025. Today marks the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Trump Begins 9/11 Memorial Service With Tribute to Charlie Kirk
Utah Department of Public Safety commissioner Beau Mason (R) and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls provide an update on the search for the man who killed Charlie Kirk, in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images
FBI Believes Shooting Was Targeted Attack, Community Not at Risk
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls speaks during a press conference to give an update on the search for the man who killed Charlie Kirk, in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 11, 2025. Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images
At Makeshift Memorial in Phoenix, Supporters Remember Impact of Charlie Kirk on Their Lives
Katy, who lives in Phoenix and attends a private Catholic high school, lights a candle at the base of a shrine honoring slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Phoenix on Sept. 10, 2025. Allan Stein/The Epoch Times
Katy, who lives in Phoenix and attends a private Catholic high school, lights a candle at the base of a shrine honoring slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Phoenix on Sept. 10, 2025. Allan Stein/The Epoch Times
PHOENIX—They came together, gripping American flags as tears traced silent paths down their faces. A soft glow from candles mingled with fresh flowers, all arranged beneath two banners bearing Charlie Kirk’s image and a prayer wishing him peace on his heavenly journey.
The conservative commentator was killed by an assassin’s bullet at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10. Within hours, dozens of supporters gathered in Phoenix to honor his memory.
A line of yellow tape held the crowd at bay from a separate ceremony at Turning Point USA headquarters, where staff members bowed their heads in prayer for the organization’s founder.
Lawmakers Seek Increased Security After Kirk Killing: Speaker Johnson
Allison Hemingway-Witty cries after Charlie Kirk is assassinated during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025. Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP
Allison Hemingway-Witty cries after Charlie Kirk is assassinated during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025. Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP
Conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk was assassinated on Sept. 10, while speaking in front of a large crowd as part of a campus speaking tour.
Kirk was only a few minutes into his event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, when he was struck by gunfire.
The stop at Utah Valley University was to be the opening event in his “American Comeback Tour.”
Charlie Kirk, Conservative Commentator, Assassinated at 31
Charlie Kirk, founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, speaks at the High School Leadership Summit, at George Washington University in Washington on July 26, 2018. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times
Charlie Kirk, founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, speaks at the High School Leadership Summit, at George Washington University in Washington on July 26, 2018. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times
Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at the age of 31 while speaking to a crowd of students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10.
A single shot was fired at Kirk at approximately 12:10 p.m. local time while he was speaking at the university as part of his American Comeback tour.
A bullet struck his neck and he was immediately taken to the hospital by his security team. Hours later, it was announced that he had died, leaving behind his wife, Erika Kirk, and two children.
Trump Orders Flags Flown at Half Staff to Honor Charlie Kirk
The American flags near the White House on the North Lawn fly at half staff following the death of Turning Point USA founder and conservative activist Charlie Kirk, in Washington on Sept. 10, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
President Donald Trump has ordered flags to be flown at half staff for the rest of the week in honor of Charlie Kirk.
“In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
Utah Mayor Urges People to Report Anything Suspicious as Manhunt Continues
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced that his state will work with the federal government to bring to justice the person who shot Charlie Kirk.
“I just got off the phone with President Trump,” Cox wrote on X. “Working with the FBI and Utah law enforcement, we will bring to justice the individual responsible for this tragedy.”
Gov. Spencer Cox (R-Utah) in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Aug. 10, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Utah Valley University, where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10, has been closed indefinitely with all classes canceled, the university wrote in an emergency alert. The campus has also been placed on lockdown.
“Those on campus, secure in place until police officers can escort you safely off campus. Police are currently going building to building escorting people off campus. Roads to campus are currently closed,” read the emergency alert issued by Josh Berndt, a university spokesperson.
Police are attempting to locate the shooter, who remains at large.
Co-founder Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk speaks following the inauguration of President Donald Trump during an event at Capital One Arena in Washington, on Jan. 20, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
Co-founder Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk speaks following the inauguration of President Donald Trump during an event at Capital One Arena in Washington, on Jan. 20, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times
WASHINGTON—Political leaders across the United States condemned the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was killed at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
Kirk, founder of conservative youth group Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and a frequent speaker at university campuses, was shot in the neck while speaking outdoors to a crowd of university students. He was rushed off the stage to a hospital by police and his personal security, where he later died of his injuries.
Kirk’s death was confirmed by a statement from his organization. “Charles James Kirk has been murdered by gunshot,” wrote TPUSA in a statement. “May he be received into the loving arms of our Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie,” they added, referring to Jesus Christ and Kirk’s Christian faith, which he publicly professed.
Charlie Kirk Shot at Utah Event
Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk was shot during an event in Utah on Sept. 10.
A single shot was fired at Kirk, 31, at approximately 12:10 p.m., while he was speaking at Utah Valley University, the university said on X. “He was hit and taken from the location by his security,” the school said.
University police are investigating and have taken a suspect in custody.
The crowd reacts after Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, is shot at the Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, 2025. Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP
A spokeswoman for Turning Point USA confirmed that Kirk was shot and taken to a hospital.
The condition of Kirk, the founder and president of the national student group, is not immediately clear.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot,” President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,” Vice President JD Vance said.
President Donald Trump speaks to the Religious Liberty Commission at the Museum of the Bible in Washington on Sept. 8, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who interviewed Kirk earlier this year,called the attack on Kirk “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
Turning Point had said earlier Wednesday that Kirk was appearing at Utah Valley, a public university located about 41 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, in the first stop of a new tour that was scheduled to include 15 stops.
Kirk often travels to colleges to speak to students, sometimes setting up a “prove me wrong” table where he debates students. That table was slated to be part of the Utah appearance.
Jason Chaffetz, a Republican who was at the event, said on Fox News that he heard a shot and saw it knock Kirk backwards. “It seemed like it was a close shot,” Chaffetz said.
Committee chairman Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 7, 2016. Alex Wong/Getty Images
FBI Director Kash Patel said separately that FBI agents will be on the scene soon.
Kirk is an ally of the administration, regularly visiting the White House and promoting Trump administration initiatives on social media and during television and podcast appearances.
A petition circling online attributed to Utah Valley University students had called for the school to reevaluate its decision to let Kirk appear on campus, alleging that he was “known for his divisive rhetoric that often supports policies and laws which aren’t inclusive and can marginalize various communities.”
The school on Sept. 3 said it was committed to free speech and “respects the rights of student clubs and organizations to invite various speakers to campus.”
