Charlie Kirk has died after shooting at Utah event, suspect not in custody

Officials say the suspect is not in custody

OREM, Utah — Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, prompting a massive police response and a campus-wide lockdown. Former President Donald Trump has announced that Kirk has died from his injuries, though official confirmation is pending.

The shooting occurred around 12:20 p.m. local time in a quad area near the campus food court as Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was beginning a speaking event. According to Deseret News reporters on the scene, a single gunshot rang out approximately two minutes into a Q&A session with students, and Kirk appeared to be struck in the neck.

Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz stated that he had received confirmation of Kirk’s death from law enforcement officials. However, UVU officials have been more cautious in their statements.

In an official release, UVU spokesperson Scott Trotter said, “We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don’t know his condition. The suspect is not in custody. Police are still investigating. Campus is closed for the rest of the day.”

Early reports that a suspect had been apprehended were later retracted. Authorities now confirm the shooter remains at large, and an active manhunt is underway.

Kirk, 31, is a prominent media figure and activist who leads one of the nation’s largest conservative organizations for youth. He is married and has two children. He recently gave an interview to the Deseret News about his work and his planned visit to Utah.