OREM, Utah—Political commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday while speaking at a student event at Utah Valley University (UVU).
At approximately 12:20 p.m. MST, Kirk was speaking at a Turning Point USA event when he was shot. He was transported to Timpanogos Regional Hospital and was later pronounced dead.
The shooting is being investigated as a targeted attack. Authorities believe the shooter fired from a rooftop, hitting Kirk in the outdoor courtyard where the event was held.
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are co-leading the investigation, along with other local law enforcement agencies. A manhunt for the shooter is underway.
Suspect Information:
- The shooter is still at large, and a manhunt is ongoing.
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Two individuals were initially taken into custody:
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George Zinn was released but charged with obstruction by UVU police.
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Zachariah Qureshi was also released after being interrogated.
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Neither Zinn nor Qureshi has any current ties to the shooting.
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The FBI has set up a digital media tip line for the public to submit any information they may have regarding the shooting.
The FBI has set up a digital media tip line at fbi.gov/UtahValleyShooting for the public to submit information.
Approximately 3,000 people attended the event. The UVU campus will be closed for the remainder of the week. Authorities are encouraging those who need help to call the state's mental health crisis line at 988.
Proclamation from the White House: Flags at Half-Staff
As a mark of respect for the memory of Charlie Kirk, the United States flag will be flown at half-staff until sunset on September 14, 2025.
By order of the President, this applies to the White House, all public buildings and grounds, military posts, and naval stations throughout the United States and its territories. The directive also extends to all U.S. embassies, consulates, and other facilities abroad, including military and naval vessels.
Local Reaction
Sen. John Cornyn said on social media that he and his wife, Sandy, "join the entire nation in lifting Charlie Kirk's family up in prayer."
"Murder is so senseless and evil," Fort Worth Catholic Bishop Michael Olson said in a statement on social media. "Pray for deliverance from hatred, deliverance from a desire for revenge, and fortitude to defend the weak and vulnerable."
"Today, a young man was murdered in cold blood while expressing his political views," said Former President George W. Bush in a statement. "It happened on a college campus, where the open exchange of opposing ideas should be sacrosanct. Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public square. Members of other political parties are not our enemies; they are our fellow citizens. May God bless Charlie Kirk and his family, and may God guide America toward civility."
"My heart is broken for Charlie’s family, his wife Erika, and the millions of young lives who found comfort and strength in his patriotism," posted Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne.
