Charlie Kirk Pronounced Dead after Shooting at Utah Valley University Event

Milton Quintanilla

Audio By Carbonatix

By Milton Quintanilla, Crosswalk.com

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck by a sniper on Wednesday during a student Q&A at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The suspect is now in custody. Kirk, co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was hosting a "Prove Me Wrong" booth as part of his "American Comeback Tour" when video footage showed him falling from his chair when he was shot in the neck.

Another video shows an unidentified elderly man, who is reportedly "the man who shot Charlie Kirk," being arrested.

The campus sent out an alert to students regarding the incident and has since been placed on lockdown, Deseret News reported.

"A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now, suspect in custody," an alert from UVU said.

President Donald Trump took to social media, urging prayers for Kirk, a longtime Trump ally.

"We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!" Trump wrote.

His Vice President, JD Vance, also called for prayer.

"Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father," Vance wrote.

Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 10, 2025

According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the FBI is responding to the scene and closely monitoring the situation.

"Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly, and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation," Patel wrote.

We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and…

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025

Kirk has since been hospitalized, and his condition remains unknown at this time.

Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012 with Tea Party organizer Bill Montgomery, which advocates for conservative politics across high school, college, and university campuses. He currently serves as executive director of TPUSA and leads several affiliated organizations, including Turning Point Action, Turning Point Academy, and Turning Point Faith, Newsweek reported.

Kirk is also the host of the Charlie Kirk show, a conservative talk radio program, and has been outspoken against COVID-19 policy, critical race theory, and climate change.

Kirk is married to his wife, Erika Frantzve, and they have two children together.

Prayer for Charlie Kirk

Heavenly Father,

We grieve the loss of Charlie Kirk and lift his family, especially his wife and children, into Your arms of comfort. Strengthen all who witnessed this tragedy at Utah Valley University and bring peace to their hearts. We thank You for the courage of first responders and medical staff who served with compassion. In our pain, we cling to Your promise of eternal life and unfailing love.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

When violence erupts, our first response must be prayer—but also reflection. How do we stay anchored in Christ when fear threatens to take over? And how can we be a voice of peace and light in moments that feel dark and chaotic? Join the conversation on Crosswalk Forums!

Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.