The shooting occurred at around 12:20 PM (11:20 PM Hanoi time) on September 10, as Kirk, 31, was addressing a crowd at the university campus in Orem, Utah. Kirk raised his hand to his neck before collapsing from his seat.
"Great Charlie Kirk, even legendary, has passed away. No one understood and connected with America's youth more than Charlie. He was loved and admired by all, especially me," President Trump wrote on social media, offering condolences to Kirk's family. He also ordered flags to be flown at half-mast until 6 PM on September 14 to honor Kirk.
Authorities believe the suspect fired from a rooftop, with an estimated 3,000 attendees present at the event. A spokesperson for Utah Valley University confirmed that the shooter remains on the loose.
"This is a dark day for our state, a sad day for our nation," said Utah Governor Spencer Cox in a press conference, adding that a suspect is being questioned. "I want to make it clear that this was a political assassination."
Former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz told Fox News that Kirk was shot while answering questions from the audience.
"The first question was about religion, and Kirk responded for 15-20 minutes. The second question, notably, was about transgender shooters and mass shootings, and then the shots rang out," Chaffetz recounted. "Kirk collapsed immediately. People screamed and fled."
Sophie Anderson, 45, who was about 100 meters from the stage, knew immediately it was a gunshot. "He was shot in the neck, and blood poured out," Anderson described.
Kirk had around 5.3 million followers on X and was the host of the popular The Charlie Kirk Show. He also co-hosted Fox & Friends on Fox News.
As the founder of Turning Point USA, the largest conservative youth organization in the U.S., Kirk played a significant role in influencing American politics. His work helped secure support for President Trump from younger voters in the 2024 election, a critical factor in his potential return to the White House.