Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump, was shot at an event in Utah on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.
Video footage circulating online appeared to show Kirk being struck during his remarks, followed by students running from the sound of gunfire.
Utah Valley University confirmed that a single shot was fired on campus during the event featuring Charlie Kirk.
The university said the suspect is in custody and that police are conducting an investigation.
Roughly 20 minutes into Kirk’s remarks, a shot was fired from a building about 200 yards away, Bloomberg reported, citing an emailed statement from Utah Valley University spokeswoman Ellen Treanor.
She added that Kirk appeared to have been struck and was escorted from the venue by security. The university said the campus will remain closed for the rest of the day.
The extent of Kirk’s injuries was not immediately clear, though the incident has drawn swift national attention and condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum.
A leading conservative voice
Charlie Kirk, 30, is best known as the founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a nonprofit organization he co-founded in 2012 to promote conservative values on high school and university campuses across the United States.
Under his leadership, TPUSA has become one of the most visible youth-focused conservative organizations in the country, frequently hosting events and engaging in campus activism.
Kirk has also built a large personal following through his commentary, podcasts, and social media presence.
He has 5.2 million followers on X (formerly Twitter) and 7.3 million followers on TikTok, where he frequently advocates for conservative policies and voices strong support for Trump.
His American Comeback Tour, organized through TPUSA chapters nationwide, has attracted large crowds of young conservatives across the country.
At the time of the incident, Kirk had been speaking to students at Utah Valley University, where he shared earlier on social media that the crowd was “fired up and ready” for the tour stop.
Political reactions across the spectrum
The shooting has prompted widespread responses from both allies and political opponents.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said he was being briefed by law enforcement and condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable in public life.
“Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act,” Cox stated, adding that those responsible will be held accountable.
Several lawmakers echoed these sentiments.
Utah Senator Mike Lee urged prayers for Kirk and the students at the event, while another Utah senator, Ashley Moody, confirmed her office was monitoring the situation closely.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Other national figures, including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, described Kirk as a devoted family man, Christian, and American.
Even political opponents weighed in. California Governor Gavin Newsom denounced the attack, describing it as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” and stressed that political violence has no place in the United States.
FBI investigation
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the agency was monitoring the incident and pledged federal support for the ongoing investigation.
“Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly,” Patel said in a statement on X.
TPUSA confirmed to Fox News that Kirk had been shot, though details of his condition remain unclear.
The organization has yet to issue a broader statement on the incident.
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