Popular conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, was killed during a college event at Utah Valley University. The president confirmed Kirk’s passing on Wednesday afternoon.
Videos of Kirk, the co-founder of the youth political organization Turning Point USA, amid what appeared to be a typical speaking event, one where he was underneath a tent and holding a microphone, circulated on social media. But the footage took a tragic turn when it caught a single gunshot ringing out and blood gushing from the left side of Kirk’s neck as he reached his right hand in the air. Stunned audience members were seen fleeing the scene and trying to get to safety.
Later in the afternoon, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the subject believed to be responsible for Kirk’s death had been apprehended. Videos from the scene showed police officers taking an elderly man into custody. However, Patel later announced that the arrestee was released after being investigated by law enforcement. Authorities are still investigating the shooting and searching for anyone connected to Kirk’s slaying.
Kirk was a husband and father of two. He rose to popularity by speaking at college campuses and challenging young people to debate him on political topics, like abortion, gun rights, transgenderism, and free speech, among other hot-button issues. He was also a vocal Christian who encouraged young people to abandon societal norms and to pursue more traditional lifestyles, including marrying young, having children, and going to church.
In a four-minute address from the Oval Office, President Trump sang Kirk’s praises, saying the conservative influencer fought for liberty, democracy, and justice, and that he was a martyr for truth and freedom. The president referred to Kirk as a man of faith, and said he takes comfort in the knowledge that the 31-year-old is at peace with God in heaven.
“To my great fellow Americans, I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. Charlie inspired millions, and tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror,” the president said. “Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country he loved so much, the United States of America,” the president said, before pivoting to calling out divisive rhetoric espoused by media figures.”
TO MY GREAT FELLOW AMERICANS… pic.twitter.com/oRsrE5TTHr
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2025
Trump, who was the victim of two politically motivated assassination attempts before being reelected last year, called out divisive rhetoric being espoused by media figures and alleged bad actors in the U.S. The commander-in-chief largely blamed weaponized language used to describe figures, like Kirk, as a gateway to the political figure’s death.
“It’s long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequences of demonizing those with whom you disagree day after day, year after year, in the most hateful, despicable way possible,” President Trump continued.
“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.”
Prominent elected officials in Mississippi also weighed in on Kirk’s death. Here’s what they had to say:
Gov. Tate Reeves
This is a truly dark day for America.
Charlie Kirk led discussions—debating in good faith with his political opponents. He didn’t have a cruel or violent bone in his body. He was the perfect example of what civil political engagement should look like.
The left has decided that…
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) September 10, 2025
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann
Political discourse is the foundation of our Republic, and when it is stifled, we are silenced.
Charlie Kirk’s murder is a profound loss not only to his wife and children but to the country.
— Delbert Hosemann (@DelbertHosemann) September 10, 2025
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker
Join me in praying for Charlie Kirk. Political violence has no place in the United States.
— Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) September 10, 2025
U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Charlie Kirk. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all those grieving this deeply tragic loss, and I lift up prayers during this difficult time.
Political violence is absolutely unacceptable – under any circumstance. We must remain…
— U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (@SenHydeSmith) September 10, 2025
U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly
— Trent Kelly (@RepTrentKelly) September 10, 2025
U.S. Rep. Michael Guest
Haley and I are heartbroken to learn that Charlie Kirk passed away today after being shot as he spoke to students at Utah Valley State University. Charlie was a husband, father, and a leader in the conservative movement whose influence will live on long after his death. pic.twitter.com/8QpcWia3I4
— Congressman Michael Guest (@RepMichaelGuest) September 10, 2025
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson
This is a deeply troubling act of violence and a reminder of the toll gun violence takes on our communities.
My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family. There is no place for political violence in our society, and we must reject it in all its forms. https://t.co/utf9iisHXI
— Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) September 10, 2025
U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell
My heart goes out to Charlie Kirk, who was shot today during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University. I’m praying for him, his family, and friends during this uncertain time. No one should face violence while exercising their right to speak.
I’m also praying for the…
— Congressman Mike Ezell (@RepEzell) September 10, 2025
Attorney General Lynn Fitch
Charlie Kirk was a true patriot dedicated to educating and uplifting the next generation of conservatives. Join me as we continue to pray for Charlie’s family- his wife, Erika, and their two small children. May God grant them comfort during this unimaginable loss.
— Lynn Fitch (@LynnFitchAG) September 10, 2025
Secretary of State Michael Watson
Absolutely disgusted. @charliekirk11 was a good & decent human being. A strong Christian, loving husband, & proud father. What a cowardly act of violence and a stark reminder that it all boils down to good versus evil. Praying his young family. I’m also praying for all of US.
— Secretary Michael Watson (@MichaelWatsonMS) September 10, 2025
State Auditor Shad White
Going home to hug my kids a little tighter than usual tonight.
God be with America, God be with Charlie’s family.
— Shad White (@shadwhite) September 10, 2025
State Treasurer David McRae
I am devastated to learn that Charlie Kirk has passed away. Today, his children lost their dad – his wife lost her husband. I’m sickened and saddened, but I thank God that he had a firm faith. I pray for his family. I pray for our country.
— Treasurer David McRae (@DavidMcRaeMS) September 10, 2025
Gov. Reeves, at the request of President Donald Trump, has called for flags to fly half-staff statewide through Sun., Sept. 14 in Kirk’s honor.
