BREAKING: Charlie Kirk fatally shot at Utah Valley University ahead of CSU event

Editor’s Note: This is an ongoing breaking news story. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Charlie Kirk’s spokesperson Andrew Kolvet has confirmed that Kirk is dead after being shot in the neck at a Utah Valley University speaking event for Turning Point USA. The attack came just a week before Kirk was scheduled to visit Colorado State University.

UVU campus police released the following statement after the attack:

“Today at about 12:10 (p.m.) a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk,” the statement reads. “He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating, a suspect is in custody.”

Two people suspected of shooting Kirk were taken into custody and questioned, but both have since been released. The investigation is still ongoing.

On Thursday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released two images of an individual they believe to be a person of interest, along with announcement of a $100,000 reward for any information that leads to arrest.

Footage posted to X showed large amounts of blood pouring from Kirk’s neck where he was shot. An immediate slew of statements were posted to social media from politicians around the nation condemning the attack.

President Donald Trump posted the following to Truth Social, announcing Kirk’s death:

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump said. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

CSU’s Chapter of TPUSA, which initially planned to host Kirk, reposted the following statement from TPUSA proper on their Instagram:

“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA’s ‘The American Comeback Tour’ campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025,” the statement reads. “May be be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.”

News of the attack immediately caused chaos in Washington when democrats objected to Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert demanding a spoken prayer amid a voting session. Democrats pointed out that Boebert had not treated an Evergeen High School shooting with the same respect despite the attack occurring in her state the same day.

State Representative for Colorado House District 53 Andy Boesenecker condemned both attacks, stating that he is always against violence.

“Gun violence and political violence are eroding the safety and trust that hold our communities together,” Boesenecker said in a statement posted on Instagram. “These acts not only inflict immeasurable pain, they also tear the very fabric of our democracy. They have no place in our society.”

Reach Chloe Waskey at news@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.