Investigation Underway: The Shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah University

Sat Sep 13 2025 21:21:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Charlie Kirk, a high-profile right-wing activist and ally of Trump, was shot at a university event in Utah. Authorities have found a weapon linked to the shooting but the suspect remains unidentified.

The shooting incident involving Charlie Kirk has sparked national outrage and highlighted the escalating political violence in the U.S. Although a firearm linked to the crime has been discovered, the shooter is still at large. The incident raises pressing questions about safety at political events and the current climate of political tensions in America.

Investigation Underway: The Shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah University

43 minutes ago

Charlie Kirk, an influential right-wing activist and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead while speaking at an event at a university in Utah.

Here is what we know.

What happened?

Kirk, 31, was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem on 10 September, 2025 as part of his American Comeback tour.

He sat under a white gazebo to take questions from a crowd of about 3,000 in the university's quad, an outdoor courtyard.

At about 12:20, he is asked by a member of the crowd: Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?

He replies: Too many.

The questioner then states there had been five in 10 years and asks Kirk how many mass shootings there had been in that time.

Counting or not counting gang violence? Kirk replies.

Then a single shot is heard, which is believed to have been fired from the roof of the Losee Center, a building overlooking the quad.

Kirk then slumps in his chair with a clearly visible wound to his neck. He is bleeding profusely as his staff get him off stage.

What do we know about the suspect?

No-one has so far been caught.

On Thursday, the Salt Lake City office of the FBI released two photographs of a person of interest and asked for help identifying him.

At a press conference hours earlier, FBI special agent Robert Bohls said that a high-powered, bolt-action rifle had been found in a wooded area near to the university.

An imported Mauser .30-06 bolt action rifle, it was found wrapped in a towel.

A footwear impression, a palm print and forearm imprints were also discovered.

Beau Mason, Utah's public safety commissioner, said the gunman appeared to be of college age, and had blended in well with other students.

They said good video footage showed a suspect jumping from a roof after the shooting and fleeing the campus.

This appears to be supported by videos released in the public domain.

Who was Charlie Kirk?

Kirk was one of the most high-profile right-wing activists and media personalities in the US. He was a trusted ally of Trump, attended his inauguration and regularly visited the White House.

As an 18-year-old in 2012, he co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a student organisation that aims to spread conservative ideals at liberal-leaning US colleges.

His social media feed and daily podcast offer a snapshot of what he often debated - the issues ranged from gun rights and climate change, to faith and family values.