Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot by a college-age sniper during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The suspect used a high-powered bolt-action rifle and remains at large. Investigators have recovered the weapon and are actively searching for the shooter.
1. Timeline of the Shooting
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The attack occurred on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at around 11:52 a.m. local time, during a Turning Point USA event with about 3,000 attendees on the Utah Valley University campus.
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The shooter, described as being of college age, reportedly blended in with the student crowd before climbing onto a nearby rooftop.
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From this elevated position, the suspect fired a single deadly shot at Kirk, then jumped from the building and fled into a nearby residential area.
2. The Weapon and Evidence Found
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Investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the attack in a wooded area near the campus.
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Forensic teams also collected key evidence at the scene, including footprints, a palm print, and forearm impressions.
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Police are now reviewing over 130 witness statements and are seeking any video or photos from the public that could help identify the suspect.
3. Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
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Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the incident a “political assassination,” highlighting the gravity of the attack.
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Leaders across the U.S. political spectrum have condemned the killing, with bipartisan calls for unity and calm as the investigation continues.
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Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, warning that the suspect is armed and dangerous.
4. Broader Implications
This high-profile attack has ignited national debate and raises major security concerns:
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The safety of campus events that draw political figures.
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The growing risk of politically motivated violence in the U.S.
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The challenges law enforcement faces in tracking lone-wolf snipers who can vanish into crowds or public spaces.
