Charlie Kirk shot and killed at Utah event; manhunt for shooter ongoing

The Salt Lake City FBI field office has set up an online form here to collect any information or tips about the shooting.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — whose father and uncle were both assassinated in the 1960s — wrote in reaction to Kirk's death: "Once again, a bullet has silenced the most eloquent truth teller of an era."

Kennedy called Kirk a "relentless and courageous crusader for free speech."

Kennedy's father, former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, was fatally shot in 1968 while running for president. The health secretary's uncle, former President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1963 during a visit to Dallas.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said in reaction to Kirk's killing: "I want to be very clear that this is a political assassination."

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said authorities believe it was a "targeted attack toward one individual." He said only one shot was fired, and Kirk was the only victim.

"This is a dark day for our state. It's a tragic day for our nation," the governor said.

"Our nation is broken," he added.

Police have not yet specified a motive.

FBI Director Kash Patel said on X a "subject" who was taken into custody following the Kirk shooting "has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement."

"Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency," Patel wrote.

He did not name the person who was released.

Hours earlier, Utah. Gov. Spencer Cox said there was an unnamed "person of interest in custody," but Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said the suspect in the shooting remained at large. Mason and Cox both said authorities are working to find the perpetrator.

Separately, a different person was taken into custody "shortly after the shooting," but he was released "after we identified that he did not match the shooting suspect and was not an accurate person of interest," according to Mason.

However, that person was later booked into county jail for obstruction of justice, Mason said.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said there is a "person of interest in custody" in connection with Kirk's shooting. His comments came shortly after FBI Director Kash Patel said, "The subject for the horrific shooting" is in custody.

However, Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said a suspect is still at large.

"I want to make it crystal clear right now to whoever did this: We will find you, we will try you, and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law," Cox said. "And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah."

Cox said they are looking for "anyone" who has any information about the shooting. He said that at this time, they don't believe there is a second person involved.

Mason said investigators have information from security footage, and that the shot came from a location on campus, "potentially from a roof."

The leaders of several U.S. allies condemned Wednesday's shooting.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on X that Kirk "was murdered for speaking truth and defending freedom," describing the activist as a "lion-hearted friend of Israel."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote: "We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear - there can be no justification for political violence." While primarily a U.S.-based group, Kirk's Turning Point USA has a British offshoot that focuses on conservative activism in Britain.

And Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the killing an "atrocious murder" and a "deep wound for democracy."

In its first formal public statement, Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, confirmed Kirk's death and asked for prayers for his young family.

"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," TPUSA wrote. "May he 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."

Kirk's death comes as the nation has confronted a rash of political violence in recent years, including two assassination attempts against Mr. Trump last year and an attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in 2022.

A man was arrested outside the Maryland home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh armed with a gun, knife and various tools after the leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022. The man was charged with attempting to murder a Supreme Court justice, and he pleaded guilty in April.

Jury selection began this week in the trial of Ryan Routh, the man charged with attempting to assassinate Mr. Trump last year in South Florida, while he was a candidate for president. Routh pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer and firearms violations.

Gabby Giffords, a former congresswoman from Arizona was shot in the head during a constituent event in 2011, said she was "horrified" by the shooting.

"Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence," she said on X.

Former President Barack Obama condemned the shooting, calling it "despicable violence" in a post on X.

"We don't yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy," Obama said. "Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie's family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children."

After Kirk's death, Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters said in a statement that "Republicans and Democrats alike must stand united in condemning this brutality that has no place in America."

"Charlie Kirk was a father, husband, and dedicated patriot who spent his life defending conservative values and inspiring young Americans," Gruther said in a statement. "The horrifying violence at Utah Valley University that took the life of Charlie Kirk is utterly appalling."

Former President Joe Biden decried the attack on Kirk in a post on social media.

"There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk's family and loved ones," he said in a post shared to X.

The president said he's ordering all American flags to be lowered to half staff until Sunday. The president can order flags on federal grounds to fly at half staff.

"In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.," the president wrote on Truth Social.

A proclamation issued by the White House directed flags at public buildings, embassies, military installations and naval bases in the U.S. and abroad to be flown at half staff, in "a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk."

Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk had a huge influence on young voters. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe and Robert Costa have more in the video below.

Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah called Kirk an "American patriot, an inspiration to countless young people to stand up and defend the timeless truths that make our country great."

He condemned Kirk's murder, writing on X that it was "a cowardly act of violence, an attack on champions of freedom like Charlie, the students who gathered for civil debate, and all Americans who peacefully strive to save our nation."

"The terrorists will not win," he continued. "Charlie will. Please join me in praying for his wife Erika and their children. May justice be swift."

Addressing reporters, House Speaker Mike Johnson urged prayers for Kirk and his family and said that he and his colleagues "hope the best" for him.

"This is detestable, what's happened. Political violence has become all too common in American society, and this is not who we are," he said. "It violates the core principles of our country, our Judeo-Christian heritage, our civil society, our American way of life, and it must stop."

The Louisiana Republican delivered an appeal to elected officials and those with a public platform.

"We need every political figure, we need everyone who has a platform to say this loudly and clearly: We can settle disagreements and disputes in a civil matter, and political violence must be cut out and has to stop," Johnson said.

Johnson called for a moment of prayer in the House chamber for Kirk and his family.

By Melissa Quinn, Kaia Hubbard

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said that he and his wife are "heartbroken" about Kirk's death, and said they are praying for the conservative activist's wife and two children.

"I just got off the phone with President Trump. Working with the FBI and Utah law enforcement, we will bring to justice the individual responsible for this tragedy," he wrote in a social media post on X.

Mr. Trump said that Kirk died after he was shot during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.

"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. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us," Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"

The shooting suspect is apparently still at large, and a search is underway, three sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News. The university had previously said a suspect was in custody.

Two law enforcement sources also say police have not yet cleared the scene or declared it safe for the public.

A single shot was fired, two law enforcement sources told CBS News.

— Pat Milton, Nicole Sganga, Michael Kaplan

Utah Valley University has closed the campus and canceled classes, it announced on social media.

"Those on campus, secure in place until police officers can escort you safely off campus," the university said. "We ask for your patience throughout this process. We are providing updates as best as possible. This is an ongoing and unfolding event."

Kirk was shot in the neck, Turning Point USA chief marketing officer Marina Minas told CBS News.

"He was shot in the neck. He's at the hospital," Minas said.

No formal update has been given on his medical condition.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris joined a growing chorus of Democrats denouncing the attack at Utah Valley University and said she and her husband, Doug Emhoff, are praying for Kirk and his family.

"I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family," Harris wrote on X.

She continued: "Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence."

House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi condemned the shooting in a post on X, calling it "reprehensible."

"Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation," she said. "All Americans should pray for Charlie Kirk's recovery and hold the entire UVU community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence."

Pelosi, whose husband Paul Pelosi was bludgeoned with a hammer by a man who broke into Pelosi's San Francisco home in 2022, has frequently condemned political violence.

The event at Utah Valley University featured a "Prove Me Wrong" table, a series that Kirk hosts at colleges. Turning Point USA describes the events as a "bold, on-the-ground debate series" featuring Kirk, during which he invites students to challenge his beliefs on politics and culture.

During the often-raucous events, which can stretch out for over an hour, Kirk sits at a table and argues with a succession of people — more often than not, left-leaning college students — about everything from recent Trump administration moves to abstract views on immigration to abortion.

Some of the topics Kirk has debated with students include dismantling the Department of Education, the Second Amendment and firearms restrictions, and universal health care.

The back-and-forths between Kirk and each sparring partner sometimes last several minutes, as Kirk and his adversary try to stump each other.

Clips from Kirk's rapid-fire debates travel widely on social media, frequently racking up millions of views on TikTok and other platforms.

Kirk is a prolific debater: Turning Point USA is scheduled to visit 10 college campuses over the next two months, more than half of which will feature "Prove Me Wrong" tables.

The next "Prove Me Wrong" table event was set to take place Sept. 18 at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Utah Valley University confirmed on social media that a shot was fired at Kirk during the event on its campus and he was hit.

"Today at about 12:10 a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk. He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating, a suspect is in custody," the university said.

The school did not provide information about Kirk's condition.

A UVU spokesperson later confirmed that the person who had been taken into custody was released.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, condemned the shooting. Newsom hosted Kirk on his podcast, "This is Gavin Newsom," earlier this year.

"The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form," the governor wrote.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a post on X in response to the shooting at Utah Valley University that "political violence is NEVER acceptable. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family."

President Trump posted on Truth Social calling for prayers for Kirk, joining a chorus of leaders asking for prayers for the conservative activist.

"We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!" Mr. Trump said.

Kirk, who has advised the president on important matters like Cabinet picks, is also a close friend of Donald Trump Jr.

Kirk, 31, was participating in an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, as part of Turning Point USA's "The American Comeback Tour," according to the group's website.

Kirk is the founder and CEO of Turning Points USA, a conservative organization for young people. He was hosting a "Prove Me Wrong Table" at the event, where Kirk debates attendees.

A petition on Change.org sought to prevent Kirk from speaking at the university.

Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, and the organization aims to "identity, educate, train and organize students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets and limited government," according to its website.

The organization has more than 250,000 student members and has a presence on more than 3,500 high school and college campuses.

Kirk chaired the group Students for Trump in 2020 and has wide reach on social media, with more than 5.2 million followers on X. He also hosts "The Charlie Kirk Show" podcast.

Kirk is tremendously influential among young conservatives and has traveled with Vice President JD Vance. He has also met with President Trump at the White House.

Minutes before reports that Kirk had been shot, he had posted on X "Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour." The post showed a crowded quad and the tent where he had been speaking.

The X post was deleted following reports of his shooting.

In a post on social media, Vice President JD Vance wrote, "Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father." Kirk has said he has two children.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee, a Republican, said on social media that he is "tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely."

"Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there," he wrote in a post on X.

Utah Valley University said in a website alert that a suspect is in custody after a single shot was fired on the campus.

"A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now, suspect in custody," the post says.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau of "closely monitoring" reports of the shooting at Utah Valley University.

"Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation," Patel wrote on social media.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he has been briefed by law enforcement following the "violence directed" at Kirk during his appearance at Utah Valley University.

"Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life," Cox, a Republican, wrote on X. "Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected."