On September 10, 2025, right-wing activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck and killed during an event hosted by UVU, Utah Valley University.
The outdoor event at UVU was the first stop of his American Comeback Tour. Approximately ten minutes into the event, while answering a question about gang violence in the US, Kirk was hit with one bullet directly in the neck, hitting his carotid artery. The initial reaction was one of shock and confusion, with most of the crowd attempting to run away from potential danger. Allegedly, one man in the crowd shouted, “and I’d do it again,” causing him to be detained at first, though officials quickly realized he was not the one who’d done it.
The shooter was not found immediately, but it was quickly deduced that someone had taken a shot from a nearby rooftop. Recovered footage showed a man jumping from the rooftop quickly after the shot was taken, although after that, they lost sight of him. The search continued for several hours, with some developments along the way.
A rifle was found in the woods nearby, suspected to be the murder weapon, with bullet casings engraved with the phrases “notices bulges OwO what’s this?”, “Bella ciao Bella ciao Bella ciao,” “Hey fascist, catch!” and “up arrow, down arrow, three right arrows.” These engravings all hold meanings, and are largely references to online chatrooms and communities. The first is a common phrase used for trolling in online communities, the second is a popular Italian revolutionary song, the third is simply referring to Charlie Kirk as a fascist, and the fourth is a reference to the game Helldivers, referencing a move that allows you to drop bombs. As for Kirk, he was pronounced dead at the hospital due to his injuries.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, was arrested about several hours after the shooting. Prosecutors have since charged him with aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and other crimes. If convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty, as that is what prosecutors are saying they’re pushing for.
Authorities have cited DNA evidence, cartridge casings, and a towel wrapped around the rifle as key parts of their case. Investigators also pointed to alleged messages Robinson sent to his roommate and on online platforms in which he appeared to claim responsibility. “The evidence collected so far is compelling,” Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Buhman said at a press conference, adding that investigators are still pursuing whether any accomplices may have been involved.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined local law enforcement in looking into unanswered questions, including how the firearm was transported, whether others may have assisted Robinson, and what his motivations might have been. FBI Director Kash Patel told reporters that agents are “pursuing every lead to ensure all those responsible are held accountable.”
In the aftermath of the attack, leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the violence. Former President Barack Obama released a statement describing the shooting as “a tragic reminder of the fragility of our democracy” and called for Americans to “reject violence as a response to disagreement.” Utah Valley University also announced an independent review of its security procedures to determine if additional safety measures are necessary
A memorial service for Kirk was held on September 21 in Glendale, Arizona, where thousands of supporters, friends, and family gathered to honor his life. His wife, Erika Kirk, addressed the crowd in a speech. “I forgive the man who took Charlie’s life,” she said, calling on others to continue her husband’s work of engaging young people in civic and political issues
For many students and young people, Kirk’s death has sparked reflection on broader questions of how ideas are debated in public spaces and how disagreements should be handled in a democracy. Some see the tragedy as an attack on free speech, while others point to the need for more dialogue across differences. What is clear is that the incident has left a deep mark not only on Kirk’s supporters but also on the national conversation about security, expression, and civic life.
As the legal process unfolds, more details will likely emerge about the circumstances leading up to the shooting. In the meantime, many Americans are left grappling with the same questions: how do we engage with each other respectfully, and what kind of civic culture do we want to build?
