Prominent American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, aged 31 and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on 10 September 2025 during a “Prove Me Wrong” debate event.

The fatal shot struck him in the neck about twenty minutes into the event, from a rooftop roughly 200 yards away, authorities say; two suspects initially detained have since been released and a manhunt for the shooter continues. He leaves behind his wife Erika Frantzve and their two young children, who were often mentioned in his speeches and referred to as central to his life.

Charlie Kirk was born in 1993. He rose to national attention through student activism before founding Turning Point USA, a group devoted to conservative principles among youth in the US. He built a broad platform via social media and public speaking and was seen as a close ally of former president Donald Trump, often defending conservative causes and engaging in debate on campuses.

During the event at Utah Valley University he was addressing a crowd of about 3,000 attendees when a single shot rang out. University officials confirmed that the shot, fired from the roof of the Losee Center about 200 yards from where Kirk was speaking, hit him in the neck. He was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Two people were taken into custody the same day, but law enforcement said neither had any confirmed ties to the killing, and both were released after interrogation. Authorities describe the killing as a “targeted attack”.

Eyewitnesses described immediate panic, people ducking down or dropping to the ground, then fleeing as the crowd scattered. One witness said she saw “blood pouring out everywhere” as Kirk fell back in his chair after the shot. Video footage captured by attendees on mobile phones circulated widely on social media shortly after the incident, showing Kirk speaking, reacting to the shot, then collapsing. Some videos also show a figure in dark clothing moving across a rooftop of the Losee Center before and after the shot.

Investigators from the Utah Department of Public Safety are working in collaboration with the FBI and local law enforcement. They are gathering video evidence including CCTV and mobile phone footage, reviewing security camera angles, analysing timelines, and offering rewards for tips. One person of interest was initially detained but released after an interrogation because no evidence yet tied him to the shooting. A second individual was similarly released without charges. Authorities say there is no confirmed motive yet and the weapon used has not been recovered. Utah Valley University suspended all operations through 14 September while investigations remain active.

Reactions have been widespread with political figures from both sides condemning the shooting as an unacceptable act of violence. Kirk’s death leaves his wife Erika and their two children, whom friends and colleagues have described as the centre of his world. Those close to the family have requested privacy as they grieve and care for the children. Authorities continue to appeal for information from the public to help locate the perpetrator.

Shortly after news broke of his death former US president Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”