OREM, UT—On September 10, at approximately 2:30 (GMT), conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA was shot in the neck at an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University. Close to an hour after the shooting was announced, Kirk succumbed to his injuries at the age of 31.

He was more than just a political commentator. At the age of 18, he spoke to young people at a Benedictine School. Bill Montgomery, who co-founded Turning Point USA with Charlie Kirk, was there. He stopped Kirk and reportedly asked him to postpone his college plans and become an activist. They founded and built TPUSA into what it is today.

Kirk, a Christian who was not afraid to speak on moral and ethical issues, spoke about what mattered most to him, which was faith, family, and doing the right thing. He was a staunch Republican and was known to speak at Republican conventions on President Trump’s behalf, and in return, Trump spoke at a Turning Point USA conference in Arizona last year. Trump announced Kirk’s death on X.

Reports indicate that he had only been speaking for approximately 30 minutes at Utah Valley’s Question and Answer session when a question arose about trans shooters. It was then Kirk was shot.

Turning Point USA sent updates on Kirk via their X page, sharing messages for thoughts and prayers.

“The incident erupted amid a student Q and A session, causing chaos as attendees fled: a suspect is in custody, and Kirk’s condition is serious but not life-threatening.”

President Trump, Vice President, JD Vance, and a multitude of other public figures have reached out asking for prayers for Kirk.

“We must pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. God bless him!” said President Donald J. Trump.

“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy, and a young father,” said Vice President JD Vance

“Everyone, please stop what you are doing and pray for Charlie Kirk,” said Candace Owens.

“Pray for Charlie and all the other innocents,” said Ben Shapiro.

“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk 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,”— FBI Director, Kash Patel

Spencer Cox, the Governor of Utah, has indicated that he has been briefed on the shooting and stated that “The Shooter will be held fully accountable.”

Video footage captured the moment a man believed to be the suspect was taken into custody. He is an older Caucasian male, who could be heard shouting, “Shoot me, Shoot me.”  Authorities reported that he was not the shooter.

A second man was also brought in for questioning.  Neither of these two men is the suspect.  The FBI is informing the public that the suspect is still at large. 

Kirk leaves behind his wife, former Miss Arizona, Erika Frantzve. They shared two small children.