Charlie Kirk, 31, conservative commentator and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during a Q&A at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. He was speaking on his “American Comeback Tour” when “a single gunshot rang out.” The bullet struck his neck, and though emergency crews arrived quickly, he died at the scene. Authorities say the shot came from a nearby rooftop. The FBI has released footage of a suspect fleeing, with weapons later discovered in nearby woods.
The last person to speak to Kirk was Utah Valley student Hunter Kozak. In an Instagram video, he said, “I don’t know how to make this video,” describing the past day as emotionally overwhelming.
Kozak had previously criticized Kirk online over remarks about transgender people. At the event, he asked how many mass shooters in the past decade were transgender. Kirk answered, “Too many,” drawing applause. Kozak then asked about the total number of mass shootings—moments before the gunfire.
In his video, Kozak condemned the killing and those celebrating it, calling Kirk’s death “a tragedy.” He offered sympathy to Kirk’s wife and children, noting, as a father and husband, the weight of the loss.
The assassination has intensified debate on safety, rhetoric, and political discourse in the U.S.
