On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Following the shooting, Kirk was taken to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was 31 years old and is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children.
Kirk had been at the university as a stop on his “The American Comeback Tour,” where he debated college students on topics like abortion access and immigration under a tent that read, “Prove Me Wrong.” The event was hosted by the school’s chapter of Turning Point USA, an organization Kirk founded in 2012 that aims to energize young voters and promote conservative ideas. Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, has since announced that Turning Point USA will continue its work and carry on her husband’s legacy.
Kirk was a podcast host and frequent political commentator who maintained a close relationship with President Donald Trump. Part of a statement on Truth Social posted by President Trump reads, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.”
In the days following the attack, Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the killing as a “political assassination,” calling for unity and an end to politically motivated violence.
On Friday, September 12, Cox named 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect in Kirk’s fatal shooting. Investigators said Robinson’s father recognized him in images released by law enforcement, and he confronted his son. Robinson then confided in a local youth pastor, leading to his arrest. Robinson is now being held without bail at Utah County Jail on several initial charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice.
Robinson’s motives are still unknown, however, there are notable details surrounding the case that may provide insight. The New York Times reported that each of the retrieved shell casings were engraved with messages. One unfired shell casing read,“Hey Fascist! CATCH!” and another referenced an antifascist Italian folk song.
Additionally, the affidavit states one of Kirk’s family members told investigators that at a family dinner before the shooting, Robinson had talked about his dislike for Kirk and his viewpoints.
As investigation into Charlie Kirk’s murder continues, his death has sparked important conversation around gun violence, free speech, and growing polarization across the United States.
