Tragedy at Utah Valley University: Witnesses Recall Moment of Shooting During Charlie Kirk Event
Attendees at the campus event where US conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot have reported mass panic after a shot rang out. Kirk was pronounced dead after being struck by a single bullet in the neck, believed to have come from a nearby rooftop shooter.
Speaking to a crowd of 3,000 at Utah Valley University, Kirk had just begun discussing gun violence when the incident unfolded. Eyewitnesses described the alarming transition from an engaging event to sheer chaos in mere moments.
One attendee remarked, I was sitting there filming him, I cut my video, and just then I heard this shot. Porter LaFerber, a student present at the rally, added, You don't really realise what's happened until it's happened as crowd members began to flee.
A nearby attendee, Danielle, recalled the horror: It was horrible. All I hear is screaming and I see people running and I'm like, 'it's not safe to run.' Eyewitnesses have expressed disbelief at the lack of adequate security measures at the event, raising concerns about student safety.
As the campus community grapples with this tragedy, the incident continues to spark discussions about gun violence and security at public events. With several witnesses deeply affected by the shooting, calls for change are likely to follow.