OREM, Utah — A single gunshot was fired Wednesday afternoon on the campus of Utah Valley University during a speaking event featuring conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The incident occurred during the first stop of Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour,” hosted by Turning Point USA.
According to an official UVU Alert, the shot was directed toward the visiting speaker. Law enforcement responded swiftly, and the suspect is now in custody. No additional shots were reported, and the campus remains under active investigation.
Eyewitnesses described a moment of confusion and panic as attendees evacuated the venue. One UVU professor, standing roughly 50 feet from the stage, told the Salt Lake Tribune he heard what sounded like a firework before seeing people flee the terraces.
“The atmosphere turned panicked instantly,” he said. “Someone next to me said they saw Charlie Kirk get hit.”
Kirk was reportedly struck in the neck, though official medical updates have not yet been released. Footage from the event shows attendees screaming and fleeing as the shot rang out. Kirk had posted on X just minutes before the incident, celebrating the tour’s kickoff:
“WE. ARE. SO. BACK. 🔥🔥🔥 Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY…”
Senator Mike Lee posted on X shortly after the incident, asking for prayers for Kirk and the students present.
Confirmed by the Sentinel: Students not already on campus are being turned away by security and law enforcement. Those in transit are being redirected, and multiple individuals have reported sheltering in place. One student messaged the Sentinel saying they were “hunkered down in a closet” awaiting further instructions.
UVU has not issued a formal statement beyond the emergency alert. For ongoing updates, visit uvu.info or follow the Cedar Valley Sentinel as this story develops.
According to a UVU spokesperson, Kirk was approximately 20 minutes into his presentation when shots were fired from a nearby building. He was reportedly struck and quickly removed from the premises by his security team. The courtyard was cleared, and no additional injuries have been reported at this time. The event was part of Kirk’s “Prove Me Wrong” tour, which invites audience members to debate political topics on stage. A petition opposing his visit had circulated prior to the event, though it had garnered fewer than 1,000 signatures as of Tuesday.
Medical Response
Following the shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, emergency medical teams responded swiftly. Kirk was struck in the neck during a live Q&A session and immediately evacuated from the scene by his security detail. According to NBC News, video footage shows Kirk slumping in his chair as blood poured from the wound, prompting widespread panic among attendees.
While the full extent of Kirk’s injuries remains unconfirmed, CBS and NBC report that he was conscious during transport and is currently receiving medical care. No fatality has been reported, and Kirk is the only confirmed victim of the incident.
As of 1:42 PM MDT, no hospital or attending physician has issued a public statement. Turning Point USA has not yet responded to media inquiries. The FBI, now assisting local law enforcement, has confirmed its presence on-site and expressed support for the ongoing investigation.
This section will be updated as soon as verified medical details become available
Live Updates: UVU Shooting During Charlie Kirk Event
🕐 3:05 PM – Charlie Kirk Confirmed Dead After UVU Shooting
Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, has died after being shot in the neck during a campus event at Utah Valley University. The confirmation comes from TPUSA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet and a public post by President Donald Trump on Truth Social.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”
Kolvet confirmed Kirk’s death to The New York Times. The shooting occurred around 12:10 PM MDT during a student Q&A session. Kirk collapsed on stage and was evacuated by his security team.
UVU has clarified that the suspect is not in custody. A person initially detained has since been released. The FBI and DOJ remain actively involved in the investigation.
🕐 2:44 PM – Kirk Hospitalized in Critical Condition; TPUSA Confirms
Charlie Kirk remains hospitalized in critical condition after being shot in the neck during his “American Comeback Tour” event at Utah Valley University. A spokesperson for Turning Point USA confirmed:
“We can confirm that Charlie Kirk has been shot. He is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time.”
Video footage shows Kirk bleeding and collapsing backward as attendees fled the Sorensen Center courtyard. The shooting occurred during a student Q&A session under a white tent.
UVU initially reported the suspect was in custody, but later clarified that the suspect is not yet in custody. The FBI and Department of Justice are actively investigating.
Despite speculation from some outlets, no hospital, family member, or TPUSA official has confirmed Kirk’s death. The Sentinel continues to report Kirk as hospitalized and alive, pending verified medical confirmation.
🕐 2:14 PM – Kirk’s Condition Still Unconfirmed; TPUSA Asks for Prayers
Charlie Kirk’s medical status remains undisclosed following the shooting at Utah Valley University. Turning Point USA confirmed to the Associated Press that Kirk was shot during his “American Comeback Tour” event and stated: “We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie.”
Video footage shows Kirk clutching his neck and collapsing under the event tent after a shot was fired from the top of the Losee Center. He was evacuated by his security team and rushed to the hospital.
Despite speculation from some outlets, no hospital, family member, or TPUSA spokesperson has confirmed his current condition. The Sentinel continues to report Kirk as hospitalized and alive, pending verified medical confirmation.
🕐 2:08 PM – Kirk’s Medical Status Still Unconfirmed
As of this hour, Charlie Kirk’s condition remains officially unconfirmed. While some outlets have cited unnamed federal sources claiming Kirk has died, no hospital, family member, or Turning Point USA spokesperson has issued a formal statement. Newsweek, CBS, and the Cedar Valley Sentinel continue to report that Kirk was hospitalized in stable condition after being shot in the neck during a student Q&A at Utah Valley University.
🕐 1:47 PM – Kirk’s Condition Stable, Campus Lockdown Lifted
CBS News reports that Charlie Kirk remains hospitalized in stable condition after being shot in the neck at Utah Valley University. UVU officials have now lifted the campus-wide lockdown, though classes are canceled for the remainder of the day. The suspect, a male individual, is in custody. No motive has been released.
🕐 1:46 PM – Kirk Hospitalized, Conscious During Transport
Newsweek and NBC confirm that Charlie Kirk was shot near the neck during a student Q&A at Utah Valley University. Eyewitnesses report he fell from his chair as blood poured from the wound. Kirk was evacuated by his security team and transported to a nearby hospital. Sources indicate he was conscious during transport, and no fatality has been confirmed
🕐 1:42 PM – Kirk Confirmed Alive, Hospitalized
CBS News and NBC confirm that Charlie Kirk is alive and receiving medical care following the shooting at Utah Valley University. He was struck in the neck and removed from the scene by his security team. While the severity of his injuries remains unknown, sources report he was conscious during transport. No fatality has been confirmed
🕐 1:38 PM – Kirk’s Neck Wound Confirmed as Gunshot Injury
CBS News and NBC confirm that Charlie Kirk was struck in the neck by a bullet while speaking at Utah Valley University. Video footage shows Kirk recoiling and slumping in his chair as blood flows from the wound. He was immediately removed from the scene by his security team. UVU officials state Kirk was the only person shot, and the suspect is in custody.
🕐 1:34 PM – Video Shows Heavy Bleeding from Neck
Footage circulating online shows Charlie Kirk visibly recoiling and slumping in his chair after a single shot was fired. Blood is seen pouring from his neck as the crowd panics and flees. Kirk was immediately removed from the scene by his security team. UVU officials confirm he was the only person injured in the incident
🕐 1:30 PM – Kirk’s Last Post Deleted After Shooting
Minutes before the incident, Charlie Kirk posted on X:
“Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.”
The post included a photo of the crowded quad and the tent where he was speaking. It was deleted shortly after reports
🕐 1:14 PM – Kirk’s Condition Still Unconfirmed, FBI On Scene
Charlie Kirk was reportedly shot while speaking at Utah Valley University during an outdoor Q&A session. Video footage shows Kirk seated moments before a loud crack sends the crowd into panic. He was removed from the scene by his security team. The FBI has confirmed agents are now on-site assisting local law enforcement.
Despite widespread reporting, no official medical update has been released regarding Kirk’s condition. CBS News confirms Kirk is 31 years old and a father of two. His last post on X, made minutes before the incident, was deleted following the shooting.
🕐 1:22 PM – Vice President JD Vance Responds
Vice President JD Vance posted on X, urging Americans to pray for Charlie Kirk:
“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
🕐 1:12 PM – FBI Confirms Involvement
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the Bureau is “closely monitoring” the situation at Utah Valley University following the shooting involving Charlie Kirk. Agents are expected to be on scene shortly to support the ongoing investigation.
🕐 1:06 PM – Shots Reportedly Came from Nearby Building
According to a UVU spokesperson, Charlie Kirk was approximately 20 minutes into his “Prove Me Wrong” presentation when shots were fired from a nearby building. Kirk was reportedly hit and immediately removed from the premises by his security team. The courtyard was cleared, and no additional injuries have been confirmed.
🕐 1:02 PM – Sentinel Confirms Campus Lockdown
Students not already on campus are being turned away. Those in transit are being redirected. One individual reported sheltering in a closet while awaiting further instructions.
🕐 12:45 PM – Shot Fired Toward Charlie Kirk
A single gunshot was fired during Charlie Kirk’s “Prove Me Wrong” tour event at UVU. The suspect is in custody. Kirk was reportedly struck in the neck and removed from the scene by his security team.
🕐 12:30 PM – Eyewitness Accounts
A UVU professor told the Salt Lake Tribune:
“I heard what I thought was a firework… the person next to me said they saw Charlie Kirk get hit.”
🕐 12:15 PM – Social Media Reaction
Senator Mike Lee posted on X:
“Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”
🕐 12:00 PM – UVU Alert Issued
UVU released an emergency alert:
“A single shot was fired on campus toward a visiting speaker. Police are investigating now, suspect in custody.”
More info: www.uvu.info
Sources
- UVU Alert System – www.uvu.info
Official emergency notification from Utah Valley University regarding the incident. - Salt Lake Tribune – Charlie Kirk reportedly shot while speaking at UVU
Eyewitness quotes and early coverage of the shooting. - NBC News – Live updates: Shooting at Charlie Kirk event in Utah
Timeline of the incident and details from UVU spokesperson. - KSL TV – Charlie Kirk reportedly shot at UVU during “Prove Me Wrong” tour
Local coverage and context surrounding the event. - CNBC – Charlie Kirk reportedly shot at Utah Valley University
National reporting and confirmation of Kirk’s tour name. - Senator Mike Lee on X – @SenMikeLee
Public statement calling for prayers and support. - Cedar Valley Sentinel – Direct confirmations from students and eyewitnesses
On-the-ground reporting, including lockdown details and shelter-in-place accounts.
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.