Charlie Kirk Shot in the Neck During Utah Campus Event — Chaos Erupts Mid-Debate
Charlie Kirk, the rightwing activist, staunch Donald Trump ally, and executive director of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck while answering a question about mass shootings at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, near Salt Lake City.
The Moment of the Shooting
The 31-year-old was seated under a tent in the campus courtyard when a single shot rang out, striking him in the neck and sending the crowd into panic.
According to videos circulating online, Kirk had just been asked a pointed question:
“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?”
Kirk responded: “Too many,” as the audience applauded.
The follow-up came: “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?”
Kirk replied: “Counting or not counting gang violence?”
Seconds later, he was hit, his body falling backward in his chair as blood poured from his neck.
Eyewitness Accounts
Emma Pitts, a reporter for the Deseret News, was at the event with colleague Eva Terry. She told reporters that the crowd had been “super positive” before the tragedy unfolded.
“He was on the second question about mass shootings. Before he could answer, we heard a gunshot and saw Charlie’s neck snap to the side. There was blood, immediately a lot of blood.” — Pitts
Terry described the chaos that followed:
“The shot looked like it came from the middle-right side of the audience. Everyone dropped to the ground instantly. We hugged each other and tried to stay hidden. Within a minute, people were running everywhere. The university was completely evacuated.”
A Crowd That Turned to Panic
Earlier, both Pitts and Terry noted that students were excited to see Kirk, describing the atmosphere as “positive” and “energized.” But after the gunfire, the courtyard turned into pandemonium as attendees dove for cover.
“We hope Charlie Kirk is OK and that everyone else is safe — it was terrifying for pretty much everyone there,” Terry added.
What Happened at UVU?
Location: Utah Valley University, Orem
Event: Part of Kirk’s speaking tour
Crowd: Estimated in the thousands
Target: Kirk was hit while answering his second question
Aftermath: Campus placed on lockdown, attendees evacuated
The shooting of Charlie Kirk has rattled both supporters and critics, raising urgent questions about the climate of political violence in the United States.
Description:
"Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck while debating mass shootings at Utah Valley University, sparking chaos, panic, and a nationwide outcry."