Charlie Kirk, conservative speaker and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot in the neck during his event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was 31.
According to a post on X by UVU, “Campus police is investigating, a suspect is in custody.”
However, the suspect taken into custody was not the shooter. Police are still searching.
According to posts on UVU’s X account, the university closed immediately and canceled classes. It also instructed UVU students to call campus police for an escort off campus.
The shooting happened while Kirk engaged with an audience for ‘The American Comeback Tour,’ where college students debate Kirk on political and social issues.
Kirk brought the similar ‘You’re Being Brainwashed Tour’ to Kansas State on Sept. 13, 2024. Slated to begin at noon, Kirk did not arrive on campus until 12:29 p.m. He was permitted to use sound-amplifying devices from 12-1 p.m., but he went over time, and his microphone was turned off around 1:20 p.m.
Brody Zwiebel, senior in advertising and public relations, attended Kirk’s event at K-State and said he does not “want to give ‘thoughts and prayers.’”
“My immediate thoughts are that while it’s a tragedy, there was a loss of life when you spent a lifetime making millions of dollars shilling for government officials and foreign nations that commit global atrocities,” Zwiebel said. “I find it hard to have sympathy when something like this happens.”
Zwiebel said he does empathize with Kirk’s family that will “grow up without a father and husband.”
“I also think this will only lead to more vitriolic political discourse over the coming years, and it will become a breaking point for both sides of the aisle,” he said.
K-State alumnus Joe Ackerman also attended Kirk’s event at K-State. He called the assassination “devastating” and said Kirk was a “hero” for the conservative movement.
“Charlie’s message will only become stronger with time, bringing people closer to the conservative movement,” Ackerman said. “I urge those who feel they should get involved to do so, whether locally or nationally in some capacity. We will dearly miss this great mind.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox ordered all flags in Utah to fly at half-mast, writing in an X post that Utah law enforcement is working with the FBI to “bring justice to the individual responsible” for Kirk’s death.
Ashley • Sep 12, 2025 at 2:04 pm
Brody is brave for going on record like that and he nailed the point right on the head. Charlie Kirk was awful and a terrible influence whose last words were hateful and stupid. When he visited campus last year it felt like a slap in the face. Kirk profited in money and power from creating the culture that got K-State swatted last week, Manhattan High swatted earlier this year, shootings in Aggieville, and the emboldening of the worse members of our community. Sympathy to his loved ones, sympathy to those who witnessed it, sympathy to those who are hurting from this, and sympathy to those who have been or will be hurt in the wake of this. But not for the man himself.
Mark • Sep 15, 2025 at 1:20 pm
See, Ashley, this is how I know you have never actually listened to Kirk’s message. If you find “hate” in debate, you obviously will have a tough time dealing with any kind of conflict in your life. Also, do you really believe in freedom of religion, or no?… The man did not profit of of the swatting events. Your comment shows lack of logical thinking. The 2nd Amendment is rooted in the basic right of self defense. Please look into the murderer’s mental health. I think you will find a place for your vitriol there. It is YOUR thinking that precisely mirrors his. The hatred didn’t spring from Charlie Kirk’s mind. It is springing forth from yours. Look inward. You may not like what you find.
Miriam • Sep 11, 2025 at 1:40 am
Brody Zwiebel you need to educate yourself before speaking. The loss of Charlie Kirk is devastating for many reasons but knowing that he was a true man of God is a comfort.