Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was shot during his “American Comeback Tour” event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025. According to reports, a single gunshot was fired as Kirk was about 20 minutes into his presentation. Video circulating online shows Kirk recoiling and grabbing his neck after the sound of the shot 【Reuters】.
The university immediately went on lockdown, and police confirmed a suspect had been taken into custody, but a recent news update from NBC says there is no shooter in custody. The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, announced agents were “closely monitoring” the situation and responding on the ground 【AP News】.
Political Reactions
National leaders quickly weighed in:
Vice President J.D. Vance called Kirk “a genuinely good guy and a young father,” asking for prayers 【CBS News】. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said violence “has no place in our public life” 【CBS News】. California Governor Gavin Newsom stressed rejecting political violence 【Wikipedia】. Former President Donald Trump and several GOP lawmakers also posted messages of support 【Tennessee Lookout】.
Hospitalization
Kirk was rushed to the hospital, but his current condition has not yet been fully detailed. Fox News reported he was being treated, though no official health update has been provided 【Fox News】.
“Violence has no place in our public life.” — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox
The incident underscores the growing concerns over political violence in America and has sparked renewed debates about safety at public events and on college campuses 【The Guardian】.
