Charlie Kirk’s Final Moments Before Assassination at Utah University Event

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically assassinated during a public event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

The shocking incident unfolded in front of nearly 3,000 attendees, sending waves of panic across the venue and sparking an international outpouring of grief.

A Prominent Voice in Conservative Politics

Kirk rose to national prominence as the driving force behind Turning Point USA, a student-led movement promoting conservative values on college campuses.

He frequently engaged in high-profile debates on controversial topics, including faith, family, gun rights, and gender identity.

His podcast and viral social media clips reached millions, often sparking passionate discussion across the political spectrum.

Kirk’s friendship with former President Donald Trump further cemented his visibility.

He attended Trump’s 2017 inauguration, made frequent visits to the White House, and often introduced Trump at major youth rallies.

His daily podcast even opened with Trump’s recorded words praising him as “an incredible guy” who had built “one of the most powerful youth organizations ever created.”

The Utah Shooting

The tragedy struck during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” stop at UVU.

While addressing a question on gun violence, a sniper positioned on the roof of the Losee Center fired a single round from a bolt-action rifle, striking Kirk in the neck. The attack happened around 12:20 p.m. local time.

Chaos erupted as audience members fled in fear. Emergency personnel rushed Kirk to a nearby hospital, but despite all efforts, he was pronounced dead roughly 90 minutes later.

Reactions From Leaders Around the World

Former President Donald Trump was among the first to confirm Kirk’s death, calling him “a very, very good friend” and praising his devotion to American youth.

Trump and former First Lady Melania extended their condolences to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two young children.

Current and former U.S. leaders, as well as world figures, condemned the assassination as an attack on free speech and democracy:

President Joe Biden: “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence.”
Former President Barack Obama: Described the act as “despicable,” offering prayers for Kirk’s family.
Vice President JD Vance: Urged Americans to “say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good man and a young father.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox: Promised justice for those responsible.
Global Leaders: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, and Argentina’s Javier Milei were among many world leaders expressing condolences and calling the killing a “deep wound to democracy.”

Remembering Charlie Kirk

Beyond politics, Kirk was a devoted husband and father. He married Erika Frantzve in 2021, and together they were raising their daughter and son.

Erika often spoke about grounding their marriage in faith, writing that true strength in love lies not in one wedding day but in “the days afterward that matter more.”

Kirk often argued passionately for the Second Amendment, even acknowledging its cost. At a 2023 Turning Point USA event, he remarked:

“You will never live in a society with an armed citizenry and not a single gun death… But it’s worth it, to protect our other God-given rights.”

The Investigation

Authorities have labeled the shooting a “political assassination.” Investigators confirmed the weapon used was a high-powered rifle found near the scene.