Donald Trump has blamed rhetoric from the “radical left” for the fatal shooting of MAGA activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, a high-profile Trump supporter, was shot in front of an outdoor crowd at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon. The shooting was caught on film and showed Kirk recoiling and bleeding from the neck after being struck.
Trump said liberal criticism of conservatives was “directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today, and it must stop right now”.
Kirk’s killer is still on the loose after what Utah Governor Spencer Cox described as a "political assassination”.
FBI Director Kash Patel said a “subject” was in custody but then released a short time later after they were found not to be involved in the shooting.
“The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency,” Patel stated on social media.
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Key Points
- Charlie Kirk dies at age 31 after being shot while speaking at a Utah college: Manhunt underway for suspect
- Trump announces the death of Charlie Kirk on Truth Social
- Eyewitness describes moment Charlie Kirk shot in neck at Utah speaking event
- Killer still on the loose after Kash Patel says person of interest has been released
- Utah Gov. calls shooting a 'political assassination'
Recap: MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk fatally shot at college event in Utah
01:19
,
Rhian Lubin
MAGA broadcaster Charlie Kirk has died at the age of 31, after being shot in the neck at a college event in Utah. Here’s what you need to know:
- Kirk was hosting an event at Utah Valley University, the first scheduled stop on his American Comeback Tour, hosted by MAGA group Turning Point USA.
- Video from bystanders posted on social media showed Kirk sitting at a booth, surrounded by hundreds of people, when a loud crack was heard. Kirk was seen convulsing and fell backwards as blood poured from his neck. People began screaming and running.
- Kirk’s death was announced first by President Donald Trump on Truth Social. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead... He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us,” the president wrote.
- After an hours-long manhunt, a person of interest was detained. That person was later released.
- Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told a press briefing that Kirk’s death was a “political assassination.”
- Utah officials said the shot that killed Kirk came “potentially from a roof” from some distance away.
- Kirk was a political activist and media personality who founded Turning Point USA – an influential right-wing advocacy group. He travelled with private security to events, an aide told CNN.
- Tributes to Kirk poured in online following news of the shooting, with politicians on both sides of the political aisle condemning the violence and sending prayers to his family.
Utah Valley University resisted calls to cancel Kirk talk
06:30
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Utah Valley University, where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during his appearance, resisted calls to cancel his talk despite a petition signed by nearly 1,000 people.
Last week, the university emphasized its commitment to free speech and released a statement on “Free Expression and Neutrality”.
“At Utah Valley University, we affirm our commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue. The university respects the rights of student clubs and organisations to invite various speakers to campus.
As a public institution, UVU upholds First Amendment rights and fosters an environment where ideas — popular or controversial — can be exchanged freely, energetically, and civilly,” the administrators said.
After the fatal shooting, the university president Astrid Tuminez wrote that Kirk “was invited by the student group Turning Point USA to speak on our campus”.
Kirk was the founder of the student group that invited him.
Trump orders US flag to be flown at half mast to honour Kirk
06:15
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Donald Trump has ordered national flags be flown at half mast to honor Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was fatally shot on Wednesday.
“In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
Tributes pour in for Kirk from across political spectrum
06:00
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum for Charlie Kirk following his fatal shooting on Wednesday.
Barack Obama said: “This kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy.
“Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
Republican representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said it was a “dark day for America”.
“Charlie championed open dialogue for the good of our nation, and he was killed for it,” she said.
Former US president Joe Biden said: “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence.“It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
Robert F. Kennedy pays tribute to Kirk: ‘Courageous crusader for free speech’
05:45
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose father and uncle were both assassinated, mourned Charlie Kirk’s death, calling him “our country’s relentless and courageous crusader for free speech”.
He wrote: “Once again, a bullet has silenced the most eloquent truth teller of an era”.
He added: “We pray for Erika and the children. Charlie is already in paradise with the angels. We ask his prayers for our country.”
His cousin, Jack Schlossberg, also commented: “Charlie Kirk was assassinated today. We are all weaker because of it. A tragedy. I am thinking of his family.”
Mathew Dowd fired over insensitive comments, network source confirms
05:25
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
An MSNBC source has confirmed to The Independent’s Justin Baragona that Matthew Dowd has been dismissed from his role as a contributor for the network following insensitive remarks he made regarding the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
On Wednesday, MSNBC issued an apology after liberal analyst Matthew Dowd implied that Kirk’s “hateful” rhetoric contributed to his shooting and speculated that a supporter of Kirk may have fired the shot in celebration.
“During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable,” MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler said in a statement.
“We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”
While the network has not issued a public statement regarding Dowd’s termination, the source confirmed to this outlet that the decision was made in response to the nature of his comments during the live.
Trump mourns ‘heinous assassination’ of Charlie Kirk
05:16
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
Speaker Mike Johnson: 'Many lawmakers nervous and want more security'
05:01
,
Rhian Lubin
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said that many lawmakers are “nervous” in light of recent political violence and that they want more security.
“I think many of them are nervous, of course” Johnson told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. “They’re public figures. They’re exposed all the time, everywhere. We have great security measures for members of Congress, but there’s a desire on many people’s parts to have more.”
The killing of Charlie Kirk follows the murders of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in Minnesota in June.
The accused, Vance Boelter, then allegedly went to the home of Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, in the Minneapolis suburb of Champlin. He allegedly shot the senator nine times, and Yvette Hoffman eight times, but they survived.
'All it takes is one lunatic:' Eyewitness raises concerns about security
04:45
,
Rhian Lubin
An eyewitness has raised concerns about security at the Utah college campus event where Charlie Kirk was gunned down.
"It's a bummer because whoever did this was able to enter the premises with a firearm," eyewitness Justin Hicken told The Independent in a phone interview,
"It's just a sad thing. I'm very conservative myself, I'm pro-2nd Amendment,” Hicken said. “But at the end of the day, you've got to make sure you're taking good, secure measures when you're hosting events like this. Because all it takes is one lunatic."
Hicken, 41, showed up to the event a few minutes before it started, and estimated the size of the crowd at 3,000 to 4,000 people "packed into a little outdoor amphitheater.”
"Unfortunately, there were no metal detectors or anything," Hicken said.
Justin Rohrlich reports.
MSNBC 'fires political analyst' over Charlie Kirk comments - report
04:30
,
Rhian Lubin
An MSNBC political analyst has been fired from the network for remarks he made on air about Charlie Kirk, according to a report.
Matthew Dowd was speaking live on the network Wednesday following the shooting, where he appeared to blame Kirk for the killing.
Dowd made “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable” comments about Kirk in light of the violence, MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler said in a statement, which stopped short of confirming his departure.
Variety has since reported that Dowd has been fired, however.
Fox News host Jesse Watters was among those calling for Dowd to be fired over his comments.
“I expect him to be terminated within 24 hours,” Watters said. “I hope he loses his job.”
How a Reagan-loving Chicago schoolboy became a millionaire MAGA leader
04:15
,
Rhian Lubin
Charlie Kirk’s journey to political prominence began at a young age, writes Kevin E G Perry.
He was born on October 14, 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois into a wealthy family who lived in a five-bedroom mansion in Prospect Heights, on the outskirts of Chicago.
His father was an architect who designed and built middle-class luxury estates, while his mother was a trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange who later worked as a mental health counsellor.
Classmates described the young Kirk as “rude”, “arrogant”, with “a superiority complex.”
Read more below.
Utah officials: The 2 individuals previously questioned have 'no current ties to shooting'
04:00
,
Rhian Lubin
The two individuals who were previously questioned by police in relation to the killing of Charlie Kirk have “no current ties to the shooting,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said in a statement.
The two men have since been released as the shooter remains at large.
“There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals. There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter,” said the department.
“The shooter is believed to have fired from the roof of a building down to the location of the public event in the student courtyard,” the statement added.
The FBI is appealing for information from the public as the suspect remains on the run.
Pictured: MAGA supporters attend vigil for Charlie Kirk in Salt Lake City
03:45
,
Rhian Lubin
MAGA supporters and mourners were pictured at a vigil for Charlie Kirk at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City.
Many wore the red ‘MAGA’ branded caps and held banners with Kirk’s image on at the vigil.
In Phoenix, Arizona, a banner in Kirk’s memory was installed outside the Turning Point USA’s headquarters.
Charlie Kirk’s killing sends shockwaves, blame and vitriol through Capitol Hill
03:30
,
Eric Garcia
Charlie Kirk was not yet pronounced dead when conservative Republicans began assigning blame to Democrats on Capitol Hill — and then the shouting began, Eric Garcia writes.
As the House of Representatives convened for a vote, it planned to first hold a moment of silence and prayer for the conservative youth activist who led Turning Point USA and had become the face of the right-wing youth movement that supported President Donald Trump.
But as Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) sought to read a prayer, Democrats pushed back.
“The Southern Baptist in me, that's not what we do,” Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) told The Independent. “We pray to God, then we pray out loud.”
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida yelled at Democrats across the aisle, “Y’all caused this,” which could be heard on C-SPAN cameras.
“Pass some gun laws,” one Democrat shouted back.
Read more:
Eric Trump: 'Charlie Kirk was a dear friend to our entire family'
03:15
,
Rhian Lubin
Eric Trump said that Charlie Kirk was “a dear friend” to the “entire family” in a social media tribute.
Charlie Kirk was an incredible patriot — brave, tough as hell, and a dear friend to our entire family. In his honor, all @Trump properties will fly their flags at half-staff. We will always celebrate his life, strive to make him proud, and pray that God watches over Erika and… pic.twitter.com/XnjOXwfbF0
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) September 10, 2025
First Lady Melania Trump: 'Charlie's children will be raised with stories instead of memories'
03:00
,
Rhian Lubin
First Lady Melania Trump said that Charlie Kirk’s children will “be raised with stories instead of memories” following his assassination.
Melania has shared the short tribute on the official FLOTUS X account.
Charlie’s children will be raised with stories instead of memories, photographs instead of laughter, and silence where their father’s voice should have echoed.
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) September 11, 2025
Charlie Kirk’s life should serve as a symbolic reminder that compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and…
FBI appealing to the public to submit tips as killer still at large
02:44
,
Rhian Lubin
The FBI is appealing to the public to submit tips online as Charlie Kirk’s killer remains at large.
FBI director Kash Patel earlier posted that the individual who “took the life of Charlie Kirk” was in custody, but a couple of hours later said they had been released.
Now authorities are searching for a new person of interest and the manhunt continues.
Submit tips regarding today's shooting at Utah Valley University at https://t.co/K7maX81lub pic.twitter.com/Sg47LdbHjN
— FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) September 11, 2025
Authorities seeking new person of interest in Charlie Kirk's assassination
02:30
,
AP
Authorities are seeking a new person of interest in Kirk’s assassination, according to a law enforcement official.
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.
The Utah Department of Public Safety has also confirmed no one is currently in custody in the investigation into Kirk’s killing.
Trump statement continues: 'This is a dark moment for America'
02:18
,
Rhian Lubin
President Donald Trump said that Charlie Kirk’s death marked “a dark moment for America.”
The president released a video statement Wednesday evening from the Oval Office.
“Our prayers are with his wife, Erica, the two young, beloved children and his entire family who he loved more than anything in the world. We ask God to watch over them in this terrible hour of heartache and pain. This is a dark moment for America.”
Trump releases new video statement: 'Rhetoric from the left is responsible' for Kirk's death
02:10
,
Rhian Lubin
President Donald Trump joined Republicans in blaming “rhetoric from the radical left” for the death of Charlie Kirk.
Trump released a new 4-minute video statement on Truth Social filmed in the Oval Office Wednesday evening.
“For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world's worst mass murderers and criminals,” Trump said.
“This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we're seeing in our country today, and it must stop right now.”
Many Republicans lay Kirk's death at feet of the Democrats
01:46
,
Eric Garcia
The Independent’s Eric Garcia reports on the mood tonight from the Capitol:
Many Republicans on Capitol Hill are not just saddened by the shooting of Charlie Kirk: They are outright furious.
They lay Kirk's death at the feet of the Democrats. An attempt at a somber moment of silence completely devolved into chaos as Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), a pro-Trump ally and friend of Kirk's, yelled “y'all caused this.”
GOP Rep. Tim Burchett said that MSNBC should lose its license for its coverage of Kirk.
The vibe bears striking similarity to the anger conservatives felt after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
Former President George W. Bush: Kirk was murdered 'in cold blood'
01:34
,
Rhian Lubin
Former President George W. Bush has shared a statement about Kirk’s killing on social media, calling for “violence and vitriol” to be “purged from the public square.”
Statement by President George W. Bush:
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) September 10, 2025
"Today, a young man was murdered in cold blood while expressing his political views. It happened on a college campus, where the open exchange of opposing ideas should be sacrosanct. Violence and vitriol must be purged from the public…
Actor Mel Gibson comments on Kirk's death
01:25
,
Alex Lang
The brutal murder of Charlie Kirk is nothing short of evil a cowardly attack on America’s very soul. Faith, family, freedom, the right to speak truth trampled by violence. My blood boils. Justice must be relentless and unforgiving pic.twitter.com/RsD1EXCm6i
— Mel Gibson (@MelGibsonQ__) September 10, 2025
A look at the life of Charlie Kirk
01:17
,
Alex Lang
Here is a look at the life of Charlie Kirk and his rise to become one of the top political influencers:
Kash Patel says person held by investigators has been released
01:09
,
Alex Lang
The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement. Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in interest of transparency https://t.co/YXsG6YpFR5
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025
New York Yankees hold moment of silence
Thursday 11 September 2025 00:59
,
Alex Lang
MLB’s New York Yankees held a moment of Silence for Charlie Kirk before the first pitch in their game against the Detroit Tigers.
Before tonight's game we held a moment of silence in memoriam of Charlie Kirk.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 10, 2025
Kirk founded the youth activist group “Turning Point USA” and had become a fixture on college campuses. Charlie Kirk, a husband and father of two children, was 31 years old. pic.twitter.com/Fz5xPlmdu0
University president shares a statement
Thursday 11 September 2025 00:51
,
Alex Lang
@UVU pic.twitter.com/ux9vk91eks
— President Astrid S. Tuminez (@uvu_president) September 10, 2025
Donald Trump Jr says Kirk was 'like a little brother' to him
Thursday 11 September 2025 00:45
,
Rhian Lubin
Donald Trump Jr said that Charlie Kirk was “like a little brother” to him in a lengthy and emotional tribute posted on social media.
“Charlie wasn’t just a friend — he was like a little brother to me - and to millions of people around the world - he was a true inspiration,” Don Jr wrote in a post on X.
“This loss is absolutely devastating — not only for Erika and the kids, but for our country. We’ve lost a leader, a fighter, and a man whose character and conviction were rare. Too rare. To think that his life was cut short by a brutal, heinous, evil act is beyond comprehension. It is horrible and it is heartbreaking.”
FBI sets up tip line seeking information on the shooting
Thursday 11 September 2025 00:35
,
Rhian Lubin
The FBI has set up a tip line so people can submit potential evidence.
The FBI has created a digital media tip line seeking information regarding the shooting at Utah Valley University that took place on September 10, 2025: https://t.co/aNUqciEesp
— FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) September 10, 2025
Jesse Watters reacts to Charlie Kirk’s assassination: ‘They are at war with us!’
Thursday 11 September 2025 00:30
,
Justin Baragona
Fox News star Jesse Watters reacted to the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk by insisting that “they are at war with us” before asking his colleagues and viewers, “What are we going to do about it?” and “how much political violence” they will tolerate.
During Wednesday’s broadcast of Fox News’ The Five, Watters warned those on the left that “everybody’s accountable” and that he would be watching them closely.
“We are sick. We are sad. We are angry. And we are resolute,” he proclaimed. “And we are going to avenge Charlie’s death in the way that Charlie wanted to be avenged.”
Read more.
Charlie Kirk’s wife Erika posted psalm about ‘help in trouble’ hours before his fatal shooting
Thursday 11 September 2025 00:20
,
Samantha Beech
Charlie Kirk’s wife Erika shared a Bible verse about seeking help during difficult times just hours before he was shot dead.
“Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” the former Miss Arizona USA, 36, shared Wednesday afternoon on X. Erika, who runs her own ministry as well as a faith-driven clothing brand, only resumed posting psalms to her X account two days before the fatal shooting.
Her post has now become a place where those in mourning have responded with tributes and condolences after her husband Charlie Kirk was fatally shot.
Caitlin Hornick reports.
Watch: Utah Gov says Charlie Kirk shooting was 'a political assassination'
Wednesday 10 September 2025 23:53
,
Rhian Lubin
Shot that killed Kirk came 'potentially from a roof' - Utah official
Wednesday 10 September 2025 23:44
,
Rhian Lubin
Beau Mason, Commissioner at the Utah Department of Public Safety, told the briefing that the shot that killed Kirk came “potentially from a roof,” at a long distance.
The shooter wore dark clothing and fired from “some distance away.”
'We still have the death penalty here' - Gov. Cox
Wednesday 10 September 2025 23:43
,
Mike Bedigan, Rhian Lubin
Governor Spencer Cox said that the person responsible will be held accountable.
“We have a person of interest in custody. I want to make it crystal clear to whoever is responsible… and we will hold you accountable to the full extent of the law,” Cox said.
“And I want to remind you, we still have the death penalty here.”
“Our nation is broken, he added. “I don’t care what his politics are. I care that he was American.”
Utah Gov: "This is a political assassination"
Wednesday 10 September 2025 23:35
,
Rhian Lubin
Utah authorities are now holding a press conference about the shooting.
Kirk was killed with a single shot in what is believed to be a targeted attack, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said.
“This is a political assassination,” Cox said.
BREAKING: Suspect is in police custody, says FBI director
Wednesday 10 September 2025 23:25
,
Rhian Lubin
The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) September 10, 2025
We will provide updates when able.
Pictured: Armed police patrol the area
Wednesday 10 September 2025 23:24
,
Rhian Lubin
Manhunt underway to catch suspect, still at large
Wednesday 10 September 2025 23:15
,
Rhian Lubin
A manhunt is underway for the suspect who shot and killed right-wing activist Charlie Kirk while he was speaking at the political event on a Utah college campus.
The suspect’s identity is unknown and the shooter remains on the loose as Orem Police, Utah Valley University Police, the FBI and the Utah Department of Public Safety carry out an active manhunt.
Authorities swooped on the campus and the surrounding area following the violence. Officers are currently scouring the neighborhood bordering campus, going door to door for information as the suspect remains at large.
A law enforcement source told CNN the weapon has not yet been recovered.
U.S. Marshals are on standby to support the manhunt, but they have not yet been deployed, the source added.
Turning Point USA release statement following death of Charlie Kirk
Wednesday 10 September 2025 23:03
,
Mike Bedigan
Turning Point USA, the conservative advocacy organization founded by Charlie Kirk, has released a statement following his death:
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) September 10, 2025
Officials to give update on Charlie Kirk shooting
Wednesday 10 September 2025 23:00
,
Mike Bedigan
Authorities in Utah say they will give an update on the investigation into the fatal shooting of MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk at 6 p.m. local time.
UVU campus evacuated after Charlie Kirk shooting
Wednesday 10 September 2025 22:56
,
Mike Bedigan
The Utah Valley University campus has been evacuated after the killing of the 31-year-old conservative activist and MAGA influencer.
A university statement said after Kirk’s fatal shooting that the campus remains closed and classes are canceled until further notice.
Those still on campus were asked to stay in place until police officers can safely escort off campus.
Meanwhile, armed officers are walking around the neighborhood bordering the campus, knocking on doors and asking for information as the suspect remains at large.
Watch: Charlie Kirk's Republican National Convention 2024 speech: ' I visit college campuses, so you don't have to'
Wednesday 10 September 2025 22:50
,
Mike Bedigan
Suspect and weapon still missing, authorities say
Wednesday 10 September 2025 22:50
,
Mike Bedigan
Authorities are yet to apprehend a suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk, and the gun used in the shooting has also not been recovered.
A law enforcement official confirmed the news to CNN as of Wednesday evening, adding that U.S. Marshals are on standby to begin a manhunt for the shooter
The marshals have not yet been deployed, another law enforcement source told the outlet.