Here’s everything we know so far about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was shot dead during a debate in Utah on Wednesday (September 10).
The 31-year-old co-founded the political group Turning Point USA, and had become one of the most prominent right-wing influencers in the United States
He worked to promote conservative values across high schools, colleges, and universities, and was a trusted ally of President Donald Trump, even attending the 79-year-old’s presidential inauguration.
What happened at the Utah debate?
On Wednesday, Kirk was speaking at a Turning Point USA debate at Utah Valley University before a crowd of around 3,000.
According to videos taken at the scene, he was responding to a question about gun violence when the fatal shot was fired at about 12:20PM.
“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” one audience member asked, to which Kirk replied: “Too many.”
The person then said there had been five in 10 years and asked the Trump ally how many mass shooters there had been in that time.
“Counting or not counting gang violence?” was Kirk’s reply.
Then a single shot rang out.
Videos from the scene show the 31-year-old recoiling in his chair as the crowd began to scatter in panic.
Emma Pitts, a reporter for Deseret News who was in attendance, told the BBC: “We all dropped to the ground, and I want to say we sat like that for about 30 to 45 seconds, and then everyone around us got up and started running.”
Kirk was rushed to the hospital in a private vehicle, but later succumbed to his injuries.
What has Trump said about the assassination?
In a video shared on the White House’s X page, the president said he was “filled with grief and anger” by the “heinous assassination”.
“Charlie inspired millions, and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror,” he continued.
“Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much, the United States of America.
“He fought for liberty, democracy, justice, and the American people.
“He’s a martyr for truth and freedom, and there’s never been anyone who was so respected by youth.”
Trump said Kirk loved his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children “more than anything in the world,” adding: “We ask God to watch over them in this terrible hour of heartache and pain. This a dark moment for America.”
He then warned that political violence is the result of years of demonizing opponents.
“It’s long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year in the most hateful and despicable way possible,” he said.
“For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals.
“This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today, and it must stop right now,” he added.
First lady Melania Trump also posted an emotional message on X about Kirk’s children, writing: “Charlie’s children will be raised with stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should have echoed.
“Charlie Kirk’s life should serve as a symbolic reminder that compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and country.”
What do police know about the shooter?
Authorities believe the fatal shot was fired from the roof of UVU’s Losee Center, which overlooks the courtyard where Kirk was seated.
Two people were taken in for questioning following the shooting, but both were later released after officials confirmed they had “no current ties” to the attack.
In an update shared on Thursday (September 11), investigators said they are still working to identify the shooter.
Few details have been made public, though authorities have been referring to the suspect as male.
Utah’s Department of Public Safety noted that the gunman “blended in well with the college institution” and “appears to be of college age,” per BBC News.
Officials added that they have images of the suspect but are not releasing them yet.
They explained that the photos will be made public if they are unable to track him down and require the public’s help.
