Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday at Utah Valley University during a Turning Point USA event, marking what officials are calling a political assassination. The 31-year-old co-founder of the youth organization was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 people when a single shot struck him in the neck. Kirk was taken from the scene by his security team but died from his wounds at a local hospital. The shooting occurred around 1 PM local time as Kirk was answering questions from students about gun violence and mass shootings. Witnesses described hearing one loud shot before seeing Kirk collapse with blood flowing from his neck wound. The event was the first stop on Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour,” which was planned to visit multiple college campuses across the country. President Donald Trump delivered an Oval Office address Wednesday evening, calling Kirk a “Martyr for Freedom” and promising that his ideals would continue. “He lived and died for the values that are the bedrock of America, including free speech and the rule of law,” Trump said, according to TMZ. The president also declared that Kirk’s “ideals and message are going to become louder in death,” blaming what he called “radical left” rhetoric for contributing to political violence across the nation. Investigation continues as suspect remains at large Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the killing as a political assassination and said authorities believe the shot came from a rooftop about 200 yards from where Kirk was speaking. Despite initial reports of suspects being taken into custody, no one remains in police custody connected to the shooting. The FBI has opened an investigation and is asking the public for any information, photos, or videos related to the incident. Charlie Kirk: A Martyr for Truth and Freedom. pic.twitter.com/uX9k9wWIjB— Senator Babet (@senatorbabet) September 11, 2025 The campus of Utah Valley University has been closed until Monday, with all classes and events suspended. Security concerns have been raised about the event, with several witnesses noting there were no metal detectors or bag checks for attendees. Two people were initially detained but were later released after investigators determined they had no connection to the shooting. Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika and two young children. The influential conservative figure played a key role in mobilizing young Republican voters and was a close ally of President Trump. His death has drawn condemnation from politicians across the political spectrum, with former presidents and current leaders calling for an end to political violence. Trump has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through Sunday evening in Kirk’s memory. The manhunt for Kirk’s killer continues while authorities work to determine the motive behind what many are calling a tragic escalation of political violence in America.