Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025. Kirk was a prominent conservative activist and influential in mobilizing young voters for former President Donald Trump.
Authorities released video and photos of a person of interest. The suspect, believed to be college-aged, wore distinctive clothing, including Converse sneakers and a black backpack. Footprints, a palm print, and forearm marks were found at the scene. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the suspect “this evil human” and urged public tips. The FBI is offering up to $100,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Investigators recovered a high-powered Mauser .30-06 rifle and unspent cartridges with political and cultural markings. Forensic analysis is underway. Officials said the shooting was targeted, and authorities are working around the clock to track the suspect.
Meanwhile, the European Parliament refused a request for a minute of silence in Kirk’s honor. Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers’ request was blocked due to procedural rules, prompting protests from right-wing lawmakers.
President Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff and announced Kirk will posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Leaders from both parties condemned the killing and called for an end to political violence.
The tragedy has sparked mourning, a worldwide debate on free speech, and an active law enforcement manhunt.
European Parliament Controversy
Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers asked the European Parliament to hold a minute of silence for Kirk, saying that freedom of speech “cannot be extinguished.” Some members of Germany’s AfD and France’s Identity Liberties movement supported the request.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola denied the request because procedural rules require tributes to be submitted at the start of a session. Vice-President Katarina Barley also cut Weimers off when he tried to speak for a moment of silence. Right-wing lawmakers protested, while centrist and left-leaning members applauded.
Hungarian MEP András László criticized the refusal, calling it “hypocrisy,” noting the Parliament had honored George Floyd previously. International leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, called Kirk’s assassination “a deep wound for democracy.”
The Shooting
Charlie Kirk was speaking to around 3,000 students when he was shot. Despite security and police presence, he was struck by a single gunshot and pronounced dead at a hospital. The shooting shocked the nation, especially supporters of the conservative youth movement.
President Donald Trump ordered flags nationwide lowered to half-staff in Kirk’s honor and announced that Kirk would posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Vice President JD Vance and the second lady met with Kirk’s family before his casket was flown to Phoenix.
Democratic leaders, including President Joe Biden and California Governor Gavin Newsom, condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable political violence.
FBI Manhunt
Authorities released video showing a person of interest leaving the campus after firing the fatal shot. The suspect, believed to be college-aged, was wearing a black backpack and distinctive clothing, including Converse sneakers. Footwear impressions, a palm print, and forearm marks were found at the scene.
Governor Spencer Cox called the suspect “this evil human” and urged the public to help law enforcement. The FBI is offering up to $100,000 for tips that lead to the suspect’s arrest.
Officials also recovered a high-powered Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle and three unspent cartridges with markings related to cultural and political messages. The firearm is undergoing forensic analysis at the FBI’s Quantico lab.
The suspect reportedly arrived on campus around 11:52 a.m., climbed to the roof via stairwells, fired the shot, and fled into nearby neighborhoods. Authorities have collected over 7,000 tips and completed more than 200 interviews.
Political and Social Impact
Governor Cox described the shooting as a “political assassination,” highlighting concerns over rising political violence. Former President Trump and other conservative figures blamed extreme rhetoric for contributing to attacks on political opponents, while urging nonviolence.
Kirk’s legacy continues to influence conservative youth. Students and supporters created memorials with flowers and candles at Utah Valley University. He was credited with energizing young voters during the 2024 elections.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are pursuing all leads and continue to emphasize that the attack was targeted. The FBI and local law enforcement are urging anyone with information, video, or photos from the incident to come forward immediately.
Charlie Kirk Shooting: Key Questions & Answers
Q1: Who was Charlie Kirk?
A: Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, known for mobilizing young voters for Donald Trump.
Q2: Where did the shooting occur?
A: The shooting happened at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025.
Q3: Has the suspect been arrested?
A: No. Authorities have released video and photos of a person of interest and are seeking public tips.
Q4: How is the FBI involved?
A: The FBI is investigating, analyzing the recovered rifle, and offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Q5: How did the European Parliament respond?
A: The Parliament denied a request for a minute of silence, citing procedural rules, which led to protests from right-wing lawmakers.
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