Politics

Breaking: FBI Investigates Shooting of Trump Ally Charlie Kirk at Utah Event

Charlie Kirk, a Trump ally, was shot at a Utah event. FBI is investigating, and Governor Cox condemned the violence.

September 10, 2025, 8:20 PM

Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk looks out at the audience while speaking at a podium

Charlie Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, speaks at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 15, 2024. By Shutterstock.com / Maxim Elramsisy.

Executive Summary

Conservative podcast host Charlie Kirk, a prominent ally of President Trump, was reportedly shot during an event at Utah Valley University.

The FBI and Utah Governor Spencer Cox are actively monitoring the incident, with investigations underway and strong condemnations of the violence.

Kirk is widely recognized as a conservative media personality and co-founder of Turning Point USA, known for mobilizing young conservatives.

The Story So Far

Charlie Kirk is a prominent conservative podcast host and a vocal ally of President Trump, who co-founded Turning Point USA, an organization dedicated to promoting conservative politics and mobilizing young conservatives on college campuses, which explains his presence at a Utah Valley University event as part of his “American Comeback Tour” to engage with students.

Why This Matters

The reported shooting of Charlie Kirk, a prominent ally of President Trump and conservative activist, underscores escalating concerns about political violence and polarization in the U.S., likely leading to increased scrutiny on security measures at public political events and potentially intensifying rhetoric around perceived threats to conservative figures.

Who Thinks What?

Charlie Kirk was enthusiastic about the event at Utah Valley University, stating attendees were “FIRED UP and READY” for the “American Comeback Tour.”

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the agency is actively monitoring the incident, with agents on scene to support the investigation, and expressed concern for Charlie Kirk and those affected.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the violence, stating that those responsible would be held accountable and calling for Americans of all political persuasions to unite against such acts.

Conservative podcast host Charlie Kirk, a prominent ally of President Trump, was reportedly shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Utah, according to a source close to the situation. The extent of Kirk’s injuries was not immediately clear following the incident.

Incident Details and Responses

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively monitoring the incident. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that agents would be on the scene quickly and expressed the agency’s full support for the ongoing response and investigation. “Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected,” Patel stated.

Just prior to the shooting, Kirk had posted about the event, writing, “Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.” He is widely known as a conservative media personality and co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, an organization advocating for conservative politics on college campuses.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox indicated he is being briefed by law enforcement officials regarding the incident. Governor Cox condemned the violence, stating, “Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”

Background on Charlie Kirk

Kirk has garnered a significant following as one of the most visible pro-Trump activists and conservative voices in the United States. Through his podcast and organization, Turning Point USA, he has been instrumental in mobilizing young conservatives and promoting conservative ideology across educational institutions.

The shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has prompted immediate responses from both federal and state authorities, with investigations underway and calls for unity against political violence. The full scope of the incident and Kirk’s condition remain under assessment.