Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk at the Republican National Convention. Milwaukee^ Wisconsin - July 15^ 2024
Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, just north of Provo. Kirk, 31, was shot from the university’s Losee Center, roughly 200 feet away from where he was speaking when he suffered a single gunshot wound to the neck. Kirk was participating in an event at the school as part of his organization’s “The American Comeback Tour” when he was shot and killed.
The FBI said it is working alongside state and local law enforcement “to fully investigate and seek justice in the fatal shooting” of Kirk, with the FBI asking for tips from the public as the manhunt for the gunman continued, urging anyone with information, photos and video from the incident to share it with investigators.
President Trump confirmed Kirk’s death, sharing in a Truth Social post: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
A spokesperson for Turning Point USA also released a statement on Kirk’s death: “It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA’s ‘The American Comeback Tour’ campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving savior, who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.”
Authorities in Utah provided an update on the ongoing manhunt for the gunman, with state and federal agencies co-lead ing the investigation into what they believe was a targeted attack. The Utah Department of Public Safety said in a press release: “We initially took in George Zinn as a suspect. He was later released and charged with obstruction by UVU police. A second suspect, Zachariah Qureshi, was taken into custody and released after interrogation with law enforcement. There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals. There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter.”
The White House lowered its flags to half-staff within an hour after Trump confirmed Kirk’s death. The President also issued a proclamation ordering flags to lowered to half-staff at the at all federal buildings, embassies, consular offices and other U.S. government properties abroad until sunset on Sept. 14, 2025. Trump wrote on Truth Social: “In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M. “
Kirk co-founded Turning Point in 2012 at the age of 18, a conservative non-profit that promotes conservative causes and viewpoints at colleges, universities and elsewhere. Kirk was a prominent supporter of Pres. Trump who courted young voters and used his network of nonprofits to seek to turn out voters on campuses and churches for Trump in 2024. A native of Illinois, Kirk and his wife Erika Frantzve were married in 2021, and the couple shared two young children.
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