Shooting of Charlie Kirk

Shooting of Charlie Kirk
Date	September 10, 2025
Time	≈12:20 p.m. MDT
Location	Utah Valley University; Orem, Utah, U.S.
Target	Charlie Kirk
Attack type	Shooting
Weapons	High-powered bolt-action rifle
Fatalities	1 (Charlie Kirk)
Injuries	0 others reported
Suspect	Tyler James Robinson (22), in custody
Status	Arrested September 12, 2025; held without bail; investigation ongoing
Charges	Aggravated murder (capital), felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice (pending formal filing)

This article covers a developing story. Information may change rapidly as new details emerge.

Timeline

Last updated: September 14, 2025

Date	Time (MDT)	Event
September 10, 2025	~12:20 p.m.	Shot fired from the roof of UVU’s Losee Center; crowd evacuates; Charlie Kirk transported to hospital and later pronounced dead.
September 10–11, 2025	—	UVU issues lockdown/safety measures; multi-agency response begins; initial custody reports later clarified (no suspect in custody).
September 12, 2025	—	Arrest of Tyler Robinson (22) in Washington County; booked into Utah County Jail; held without bail.
September 14, 2025	—	Officials indicate formal charges expected early this week; investigators note the suspect is not cooperating.

Charlie Kirk (born Charles James Kirk; October 14, 1993 – September 10, 2025) was an American conservative activist, author, and media personality. He co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012 and became a prominent figure in youth-focused conservative politics through campus events, a nationally syndicated talk-radio show, and a large social media presence. Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, an attack widely condemned across the political spectrum.

Quick facts

Born	October 14, 1993; Arlington Heights, Illinois, U.S.
Died	September 10, 2025 (aged 31); Orem, Utah, U.S.
Occupations	Political activist; author; talk-radio host
Known for	Co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA; host of The Charlie Kirk Show
Spouse	Erika Frantzve (m. 2021)
Children	2
Education	Wheeling High School; briefly attended Harper College (no degree)

Early life and education

Kirk was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and raised in Prospect Heights. He attended Wheeling High School, where he engaged in local politics and conservative student activism. He briefly enrolled at Harper College before focusing on political organizing full-time.

Turning Point USA

Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 with Bill Montgomery. Under his leadership, TPUSA developed a large chapter network on high-school and college campuses, hosted high-profile conferences (e.g., AmericaFest), and launched initiatives such as the Professor Watchlist and school-board tracking projects. The organization’s growth was fueled by major conservative donors and a robust media operation. TPUSA and its affiliates—Turning Point Action and TPUSA Faith—played visible roles in Republican youth outreach and grassroots mobilization.

Fundraising and criticism

TPUSA’s prominence drew scrutiny from journalists and higher-education groups, including reporting on finances, campaign-adjacent activities, and tactics seen by critics as confrontational on campuses. Supporters credited TPUSA for energizing young conservatives and expanding the right’s presence at universities; detractors argued it intensified polarization and harassed faculty.

Media career

Starting in 2020, Kirk hosted a daily talk-radio program, The Charlie Kirk Show, syndicated by Salem Radio Network, alongside a high-traffic podcast and video channels. He delivered a prime-time speech at the 2020 Republican National Convention, where he described then-President Donald Trump as the “bodyguard of Western civilization.”

Political influence

Kirk maintained close ties with Republican Party leaders and the Trump political orbit. He and Turning Point Action invested heavily in voter-registration and turnout operations targeting young and infrequent voters. In 2024, he was among the figures pressing for leadership changes at the Republican National Committee.

Utah Valley University shooting (September 10, 2025)

On September 10, 2025, during the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah, Kirk was struck by a single gunshot while speaking under an outdoor tent. Witness videos show him clutching his neck as the crowd fled. Initial reports indicated a person was detained, but authorities later said no confirmed suspect was in custody. Kirk was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead later that day. National leaders condemned the attack, and the White House ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff. (See detailed timeline at Shooting of Charlie Kirk.)

Views and controversies

Kirk advocated conservative positions on limited government, immigration, higher-education reform, and gun rights, frequently debating students in open-mic formats (“Prove Me Wrong”). His remarks and TPUSA’s campus tactics drew sustained backlash from progressive groups and some faculty organizations, while galvanizing support among young conservatives.

Personal life

Kirk married Erika Frantzve in 2021. The couple had two children. He was an evangelical Christian.

Selected works

Time for a Turning Point (2016)
Campus Battlefield (2018)
The MAGA Doctrine (2020)
Right Wing Revolution: How to Beat the Woke and Save the West (2024)

Investigation

On September 12, 2025, law enforcement confirmed the arrest of Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah. He was identified after his father recognized him in images released by investigators and contacted authorities. Robinson was taken into custody in Washington County and booked into the Utah County Jail; a judge approved holding him without bail.

Evidence recovered

Investigators recovered a Mauser .30-caliber bolt-action rifle believed to be the weapon used. Casings left at the scene contained politically charged and meme-style inscriptions. Forensic evidence includes surveillance footage and trace prints from the rooftop of the Losee Center, where the single shot originated.

Motive

Authorities have not announced a definitive motive. Reports indicate Robinson had become more politically engaged and had expressed opposition to Kirk, but no formal explanation has been confirmed.

Law enforcement & official statements

Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the killing as a “political assassination” and said Robinson is believed to have acted alone. Federal agencies, including the FBI, are assisting; investigators earlier released surveillance video and images to solicit tips. Formal charging is expected within three days of arrest under Utah procedure.

Political reactions

President Donald Trump condemned the assassination, called for the death penalty, and announced plans to posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Vice President J.D. Vance praised law enforcement, met with Kirk’s family, and highlighted Kirk’s impact on conservative youth. National and state leaders across the political spectrum issued statements condemning political violence.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Last updated: September 14, 2025

Have formal charges been filed yet? Formal charges are expected early this week. Robinson remains in custody without bail and, per officials, is not cooperating with investigators.

Who shot Charlie Kirk? On September 12, 2025, authorities arrested Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, after his father identified him in surveillance images. Robinson is in custody at the Utah County Jail and is being held without bail; formal charges are pending.

What weapon was used in the shooting? Investigators recovered a Mauser .30-caliber bolt-action rifle believed to be the weapon used. Casings found at the scene included politically charged inscriptions.

Where did the shooting happen? The shot was fired from the roof of the Losee Center at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, approximately 200–400 feet from where Kirk was speaking.

Was anyone else injured? No other injuries were reported. Kirk was the sole victim.

What was the motive for the attack? No definitive motive has been announced. Authorities continue to investigate.

How have officials responded? Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the killing a “political assassination.” Federal and state officials condemned the attack; the FBI is assisting the investigation. National leaders issued statements of condolence.

Public image and media coverage

Charlie Kirk was widely known for his youth-focused conservative activism and confrontational campus debates. His “Prove Me Wrong” events and social media presence attracted significant attention, making him both influential among supporters and controversial among critics.

Following the shooting on September 10, 2025, media coverage was extensive across national outlets. His death was reported alongside commentary on his political legacy, his role in campus politics, and his prominence in online culture, where he had been a frequent subject of memes and debates.

Press and media reactions

Official statements. Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the attack as a “political assassination.” National leaders issued statements of condolence and condemned political violence; federal and state agencies highlighted interagency cooperation during the manhunt.
Media coverage. Major U.S. outlets provided continuous updates, obituaries, and context pieces on Kirk’s influence and the history of political violence in the United States.
Content and platform policies. Social platforms and online communities removed graphic or exploitative content related to the shooting and reminded users of policies against violence glorification.
Ethics debate. Commentators debated whether circulating graphic footage served public interest or risked harm, with calls to avoid sharing images that sensationalize violence.
University response. Utah Valley University issued statements, paused events, and reviewed campus safety procedures while offering support resources to students and staff.

Legal proceedings

Date	Proceeding	Court/Judge	Outcome / Notes
September 14, 2025	Formal charges filed	[Utah County / 4th District Court]	Aggravated murder; felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury. Held without bail.
[TBD]	Initial appearance / arraignment	[Judge]	Bail: [status]
[TBD]	Next hearing	[Court]	[Topic / motions]

External links

Official: TPUSA (tpusa.com)
Radio/Podcast: The Charlie Kirk Show (Salem Podcast Network)