Charlie Kirk Shot and Killed at Utah Event; Manhunt for Shooter Still Ongoing

Charlie Kirk Shot and Killed at Utah Event; Manhunt for Shooter Still Ongoing

Orem, Utah - Conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025 during a speaking appearance at Utah Valley University. Authorities have confirmed his death and said a manhunt for the shooter is underway. People.com+4AP News+4Reuters+4

What Happened

• Kirk, aged 31, was speaking at an event titled “Prove Me Wrong”, part of his “American Comeback Tour,” when a single bullet struck him. The shooting took place shortly after noon in an outdoor area at UVU in Orem. Reuters+3People.com+3Reuters+3

• The shot is believed to have been fired from the roof of a nearby building (the Losee Center), about 200 yards away from where Kirk was speaking. People.com+2Reuters+2

• At the time, there were about 3,000 people in attendance. Campus police and Kirk’s own security detail were present. No metal detectors or bag checks were reported. People.com+1

Investigation and Manhunt

• Law enforcement agencies, including the Utah Department of Public Safety, Utah County Sheriff’s Office, local police, and the FBI—are all involved. The investigation is described as active and ongoing. Reuters+3Reuters+3People.com+3

• A bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon was recovered from a wooded area near the scene. Reuters+1

• Two individuals were initially detained for questioning, including one described as a “person of interest”, but both have since been released as having no confirmed connection to the shooting. Reuters+3Reuters+3Wikipedia+3

• Authorities released photos of a person of interest and are calling on the public for help. A reward has also been offered. Reuters+2Reuters+2

Reactions

• Utah Governor Spencer Cox has called Kirk’s death a political assassination, signaling the gravity with which state leadership views the case. Reuters+2Reuters+2

• National political figures across the spectrum have condemned the violence and called for the perpetrator to be brought to justice. AP News+1

What’s Still Unknown

• Identity and motive: The identity of the shooter remains unknown. It is not yet clear what motivated the attack. People.com+2Reuters+2

• No suspect in custody: Despite initial reports of detentions, no one has been charged with the shooting. The suspect is still believed to be at large. Reuters+2AP News+2

Looking Ahead

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, especially anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously on campus rooftops or leaving the scene. The FBI is reportedly offering a reward for actionable tips. CBS News+2Reuters+2

Utah Valley University has closed campus operations temporarily as the investigation continues. People.com

Charlie Kirk's death has stirred intense debate about political violence, public safety at speech events, and protections for public figures. As the manhunt continues, so does the search for answers around who carried out this targeted attack, and why.