Charlie Kirk, the conservative firebrand and founder of Turning Point USA, has been shot at a Utah Valley University event in Orem, Utah. 

Graphic video posted to social media shows Kirk on stage, sitting in a chair, talking into a microphone. A single gunshot was heard and Kirk’s head thrust back as he fell. People started screaming and running away, the video shows. 

Kirk, 31, was on campus for the first stop of his American Comeback Tour. 

Who is Charlie Kirk? What to know about a US political activist

From a teenager in suburban Chicago to a national figure in conservative media, Charlie Kirk has built a career around engaging young people in political discourse.

The founder of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organisation, Kirk has become a prominent voice on college campuses and in political circles. 

On Sept. 10, 2025, Kirk was shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

• Charlie Kirk is a prominent conservative activist who founded Turning Point USA at age 18 to engage young people in political discourse.
• His organisation is known for its on-campus activism and social media campaigns, with Kirk often hosting speaking tours and rallies.
• Through his public appearances and media footprint, Kirk promotes principles of limited government and addresses topics such as immigration and diversity initiatives.
• Kirk was shot during an event on Sept. 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University.

Founding Turning Point USA

Kirk, 31, founded Turning Point USA in 2012 with a mission to identify, educate, train, and organise students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government.

He did not attend college, instead opting to dedicate himself to the organisation’s growth.

The group has since expanded to high school and college campuses across the country, boasting a significant network of chapters.

Kirk has been aligned with President Donald J. Trump on issues such as COVID-19, denying climate change and speaking out against critical race theory.

A voice for young conservatives

The organization’s rise has been notable for its use of on-campus activism and social media campaigns.

Kirk often hosts rallies and speaking tours on college campuses, engaging with students on a range of topics. His appearances frequently generate debate and attention.

In his public appearances, Kirk often emphasizes the need for young people to become more involved in politics.

“We need to be a nation of law, not feelings,” he has said, referring to immigration policy.

Kirk has also weighed in on topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, stating, “DEI is the slow movingbureaucracy that has found itself in so many institutions.”

He has also addressed Gen Z voters directly, saying, “The American Dream that your parents once had, you will also be able to enjoy.”

The expanding movement

Turning Point USA’s annual student conferences draw thousands of attendees, featuring speeches from prominent conservative leaders, and have become a notable event in the conservative movement.

The organization has also expanded its media footprint, with Kirk hosting a daily radio show and podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show.

It continues to focus on its mission to influence young people and shape political debate on a national level.

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