Right-wing podcaster and MAGA broadcaster Charlie Kirk has been shot at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Video from bystanders on social media appears to show Kirk sitting on stage at an outdoor event moments before a loud crack is heard. Kirk then convulses and falls backwards off his chair, sparking chaos in the crowd.
“A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker,” according to a university alert. “Police are investigating now, suspect in custody.”
University officials said a suspect had been taken into custody.
Kirk is a political activist and media personality who founded influential right-wing advocacy group Turning Point USA.
Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and multiple other conservatives responded quickly to the news asking for prayers for the broadcaster.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” the president wrote on Truth Social.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the Bureau was “closely monitoring” the situation. The Department of Justice is also investigating the incident.
“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 on X.
Utah Governor briefed on Charlie Kirk shooting
Utah Governor Spencer J Cox says those responsible for the attack on Charlie Kirk would be held “fully accountable.”
“I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today,” Cox wrote on X.
“We will continue to share updates. Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life.
“Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”
Mike Bedigan10 September 2025 20:17
Newsom calls attack on Kirk ‘reprehensible’
California Governor Gavin Newsom has responded to the attack on Charlie Kirk, describing the incident as “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
“In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,” Newsom wrote on X.
Mike Bedigan10 September 2025 20:15
Donald Trump calls for prayers for Charlie Kirk
Donald Trump was among those calling for prayers for Charlie Kirk after he was apparently shot.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” the president wrote on Truth Social.
Mike Bedigan10 September 2025 20:07
Moment Charlie Kirk shot
Video circulating on social media appeared to show the moment that MAGA commentator Charlie Kirk was shot.
One clip showed the large crowd gathered to hear him speak, which then zooms in on Kirk.
Kirk then convulses and falls backwards off his chair as a loud crack is heard, sparking chaos in the crowd.
The Independent is not sharing the footage due to its graphic nature.
Mike Bedigan10 September 2025 20:06
FBI closely monitoring situation in Utah, says Kash Patel
The FBI is “closely monitoring” the situation in Utah, after right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk was apparently shot.
Director Kash Patel confirmed the Bureau’s involvement as events unfolded Wednesday.
“We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” Patel wrote on X.
“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.”
Mike Bedigan10 September 2025 20:04
Full Story: Charlie Kirk reportedly shot at Utah college while speaking: Suspect in custody
Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was reportedly shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Wednesday.
Video from bystanders on social media appears to show Kirk sitting on stage at an outdoor during a question-and-answer event with students moments before a single loud crack can be heard, sending the crowd into panic.
University officials said a suspect is in custody.
Mike Bedigan10 September 2025 20:02
Charlie Kirk apparently shot at University event
Right-wing podcaster and MAGA broadcaster Charlie Kirk has apparently been shot at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
The incident happened Wednesday afternoon.
Details are still emerging, follow updates with The Independent here.
Mike Bedigan10 September 2025 20:00
