Police in Utah are searching for the gunman who shot and killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University, a shocking attack that has drawn outrage across the political spectrum and a fiery vow of retribution from Donald Trump.
“This shooting is still an active investigation,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said, noting it is working with the FBI and local police.
Two people were initially detained but later released. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the attack a “political assassination,” though officials have not identified a suspect or confirmed a motive.
Investigators believe the shooter may have fired from a rooftop using a long-range weapon. Security footage shows a figure dressed in dark clothing fleeing the scene.
Trump: “We Will Find Them”
In a video from the Oval Office, Trump promised to hunt down not just the shooter but anyone who supported the attack.
“My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity,” he said.
Kirk, 30, was addressing a crowd of about 3,000 people in Orem, near Salt Lake City, when he was shot. Just moments earlier, he had been answering a student’s question about gun violence. Video posted online captured students screaming and running as gunfire erupted.
Kirk was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Officials say the attack was “believed to be targeted.”
Vigil Turns Emotional
The university campus remained under lockdown Wednesday night. Outside the hospital where Kirk died, mourners gathered with candles, American flags, and homemade signs. One read, “Peacemakers wanted.”
CJ Sowers, 33, and Ammon Paxton, 19, were in the audience when Kirk was shot. Paxton, wearing a red MAGA hat, said he was standing directly in front of Kirk. “Charlie Kirk was a major role model and hero for me,” he said. “One of our greatest heroes is dead.”
Greg Cronin, a faculty member at UVU, said he hoped the tragedy would encourage dialogue rather than deepen political divides. “We can’t minimize events like this, but we can minimize the impact they’re allowed to have,” he said.
National Shock and Political Fallout
The killing drew bipartisan condemnation. President Biden, former president Barack Obama, and House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries all spoke out against political violence. Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff nationwide.
On Capitol Hill, a planned moment of silence for Kirk descended into chaos. Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna shouted at Democrats: “You caused this!” Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes shot back: “Pass some gun laws!”
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA, the largest conservative youth organization in the country, and was one of Trump’s most visible allies. He was known for his confrontational style, fiery speeches, and heavy social media presence. His event at UVU was the first stop on his “American Comeback Tour.”
A Dangerous Trend
Experts say Kirk’s killing could be a turning point in the rise of political violence in the United States.
According to Reuters, more than 300 politically motivated violent incidents have taken place since the January 6 Capitol attack. Nearly 150 occurred in just the first half of this year, almost double the number from the same period in 2024.
“We are in a very dangerous spot,” said Mike Jensen, a University of Maryland researcher who tracks political violence. “This could easily escalate into more widespread unrest. It could be a flashpoint.”
