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Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk is shot and killed at UVU

FILE - Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks at a Turning Point event prior to Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaking, Sept. 4, 2024, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
Ross D. Franklin
/
AP
FILE - Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks at a Turning Point event prior to Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaking, Sept. 4, 2024, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

Charlie Kirk, a right-wing political activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Wednesday during a speaking event at Utah Valley University.

His death was confirmed by President Donald Trump on Truth Social.

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At the time of the shooting, Kirk was being asked about mass shootings and attendees immediately ducked for cover as gunfire was heard at 12:20 p.m. Kirk was taken away by his security team and the university was placed on lockdown.

According to a UVU statement, there was "a shot fired from the top of the Losee Center. Someone appeared to be at the top of the building or somewhere inside." Classes have been canceled for the day.

The status of the shooter is unclear.

Kirk's speech at UVU was part of the American Comeback Tour hosted by Turning Point USA. He was scheduled to visit Utah State University at the end of the month.

The FBI is monitoring the situation. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he was being briefed by law enforcement and that he would share updates as they become available.

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Copyright 2025 Utah Public Radio

This story is breaking news. Accurate reporting takes time. We will update this story as we confirm additional information.

Sheri Quinn
Emily Colby
Emily Colby is majoring in International Studies at Utah State University and planning to minor in Environmental Studies and Journalism. She serves as the president of USU’s Interfaith Student Association. She grew up listening to NPR in the car with her mom, but had no radio experience before coming to UPR. Since joining the Access Utah team, she has fallen in love with public radio. I love learning about science, history, politics, and more every morning on Access Utah. She also host UPR’s Sunday afternoon programming. [Copyright 2025 Utah Public Radio]