Charlie Kirk assassinated in Utah campus shooting

Update, 6:42 p.m.:

Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk, FBI Director Kash Patel announced Wednesday evening. Kirk was shot to death during an appearance on the campus of Utah Valley University. In a brief statement, Patel thanked local and state authorities for their cooperation with the FBI and said more details would be forthcoming. 

Officials at a separate news conference that took place at around the same time Wednesday evening released information about a separate individual previously identified as the suspect earlier in the day. They said another man had briefly been taken into custody by federal officials shortly after the shooting, but was released when it was determined that he did not match the physical description of the shooting suspect. That man was then re-arrested by local police and charged with obstruction of justice. Officials said the actual shooting suspect remained at large. 

Investigators said only one shot was fired and Kirk was the only victim. In an emotional statement, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox characterized the killing as a political assassination, and said that while Kirk was politically active, he was first and foremost a husband and the father of two children. 

This story is breaking and will be updated as it develops.

Joseph Vogl stands outside Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem, Utah., after Charlie Kirk was fatally shot. Associated Press / Photo by Alex Goodlett

Update, 6:00 p.m.:

The Utah Valley University campus remained closed on Wednesday evening hours after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot. The school's emergency information page informed students that all classes were canceled and police were on-hand to escort students out of campus buildings. 

Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks at Turning Point USA Teen Student Action Summit at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, Tuesday, July 23, 2019. Associated Press / Photo by Andrew Harnik

Update, 5:35 p.m.:

President Donald Trump ordered all American flags throughout the country to fly at half-staff through Sunday evening in honor of the late conservative commentator.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Charlie Kirk. Associated Press / Photo by Manuel Balce Ceneta

Update, 4:54 p.m.:

President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday that conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was dead. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump said. According to local reports, a spokesperson for Utah Valley University reversed its earlier claim that a suspect was in custody in Kirk’s shooting.

Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, speaks to supporters of President Donald Trump at a rally outside the Maricopa County Recorder's Office, Friday, Nov. 6, 2020, in Phoenix. Associated Press / Photo by Ross D. Franklin

Update, 4:15 p.m.:

Charlie Kirk was shot on Wednesday afternoon while speaking at Utah Valley University, according to a university statement. Kirk’s security team removed him from the campus and a suspect is in custody. Kirk’s current condition has not been publicly disclosed.

The suspect has not been identified.

President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance released statements requesting prayer for Kirk. Agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are on the scene, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said.

The attack triggered a massive outpouring from dozens of politicians from both sides of the political aisle, calling for prayer while also condemning political violence.

• Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi condemned the political violence and asked Americans to pray for Kirk’s recovery.

• Former Vice President Kamala Harris was deeply disturbed by the shooting and sent prayers to Kirk and his family, according to a statement.

• Biden-era Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg shared his horror at the shooting and prayed for all involved.

The crowd reacts after Charlie Kirk is shot during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. The Deseret News via Associated Press / Photo by Tess Crowley

Original story:

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot on Wednesday afternoon while speaking on campus at Utah Valley University, according to a spokesperson. Bystander footage appeared to show Kirk hosting one of his popular college debates when a gunshot rang out, and Kirk’s body slumped as though he had been hit.

The FBI agents are heading to the scene, and the situation will remain closely monitored, FBI Director Kash Patel said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom described the attack on Kirk as disgusting and vile. All political violence must be rejected, according to the Wednesday response.

This story is breaking and will be updated as it develops.