Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was 31.
A single gunshot struck Kirk about 20 minutes into his speech, sending the large crowd into panic. Video footage showed him blown off his stool as attendees screamed and rushed for cover. Security personnel immediately removed him from the scene, but he later died from his injuries.
Authorities locked down the campus, evacuated students, and canceled classes. Orem police issued a shelter-in-place order while businesses in Orem and Provo also shut down during the chaos. Utah Valley University later confirmed the tragedy and extended condolences to Kirk’s family.
Law enforcement initially detained multiple individuals, including George Zinn and Zachariah Qureshi, but both were released after questioning. The Utah Department of Public Safety said neither has ties to the shooting.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed late Wednesday that a subject in custody had been released and that the investigation remains active. Authorities are now conducting a manhunt for the shooter and have called the attack a targeted assassination.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox condemned the murder, calling it “a dark day for our state” and vowing justice. “I want to make it crystal clear right now to whoever did this, we will find you,” Cox said. “We will try you, and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law. And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.”
President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death in a Truth Social post and ordered flags nationwide to be flown at half staff until Sunday evening. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote. “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!”
Charlie Kirk was one of the most prominent young conservative leaders in America. He founded Turning Point USA in 2012, building it into an influential student movement with chapters on campuses nationwide. He was also a frequent speaker at rallies, summits, and conservative conferences.
The FBI, Orem Police, Utah Valley University Police, the Utah Department of Public Safety, and Homeland Security Investigations are all working together on the case. Authorities are asking the public to submit any tips that could help locate the shooter.