Inside the Assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University

Charlie Kirk, a rising conservative figure and close Trump ally, was killed Wednesday in what Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called a “political assassination.”

Kirk was addressing a packed Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University when a single shot rang out from a rooftop. Witnesses said security was “shockingly lax” for such a high-profile figure. Video showed Kirk clutching his neck as blood poured, before collapsing in front of stunned attendees.

Police quickly evacuated the 47,000-student campus, canceling classes indefinitely. One man was initially detained but later cleared of involvement. Officials confirmed the shooter wore dark clothing and acted alone. A person of interest remained in custody.

Kirk, who founded Turning Point at 18, built it into a $79 million powerhouse that dominated conservative youth activism. The group expanded to 4,000 campuses and helped shape GOP voter outreach in 2024.

Though admired by many, Kirk often courted controversy with provocative comments on race and culture wars. His profile rose alongside Trump, and his death sparked bipartisan condemnation.

Trump, who survived his own assassination attempt last year, called Kirk a “warrior” and “dear friend.” Democrats, including Newsom, also denounced the shooting.

Kirk’s assassination underscores the escalating climate of political violence in America—one now cutting across ideological lines and threatening the safety of public discourse itself.