(Last updated: 2:00 p.m. MT, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025)
At approximately 12:20 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10, Charlie Kirk was hosting a debate at UVUs campus when a shot was fired unexpectedly at him during the early debate stage.
Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was a well-known conservative figure who was starting his “The American Comeback” tour. A broad section of the political spectrum attended, there were supporters of Kirk, bystanders and protestors in the crowd.
Kirk was shot in the neck and was quickly rushed out of the outdoor courtyard. Charlie Kirk has been confirmed dead.
A national investigation
In a press conference Sept. 12, Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced that the authorities had a suspect in custody, “Ladies and gentlemen we got him.” Cox went on to describe how cooperation from the suspect’s family and roommate helped the authorities. FBI director Kash Patel also spoke.
The state has charged Tyler Robinson, the alleged shooter, on seven counts, from aggravated murder to obstruction of justice. On Sept. 16, in the press conference announcing the charges, Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray said, “What you have heard from the media, even from state and federal officials has not been tested in the crucible of a jury trial.” Gray also said the state is seeking the death penalty.
During the conference, Gray read out alleged texts between Robinson and his roommate, where Robinson appears to confess to the murder of Charlie Kirk.
A state and national reaction
Hours after the event, President Donald Trump posted on truth social writing, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”.
In the press conference announcing the arrest of Robinson, Cox also took some time to plead with Utahns to choose the path they wanted as a state, “…again to my young friends out there, you are inheriting a country where politics feels like rage. It feels like rage is the only option. But through those words…” referring to a quote from Kirk, Cox said “we have a reminder that we can choose a different path.” Cox also urged people to put down social media and spend time with family, echoing advice in a post from the late Charlie Kirk.
On Sept. 10, the night of the shooting, the following statement was released by the university:
Dear UVU Community,
On behalf of Utah Valley University, we are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Charlie Kirk, a guest to our campus. Our hearts go out to his family. As we grieve with our students, faculty, and staff who bore witness to this unspeakable tragedy, UVU campuses will be closed from September 11-14.
All classes (in-person or virtual), campus events, and administrative operations will be suspended during this time. Please plan accordingly and make any necessary adjustments to your schedules.
Students — coursework, assignment deadlines, and exams will be delayed to accommodate the campus closure.
Faculty and supervisors, thank you for being flexible as we navigate through this difficult time. We encourage you to reach out to your students and employees with updates about expectations.
All employees (full-time or part-time) will still receive regular compensation during the campus closure. Additional information will be forthcoming regarding mental health support to students, faculty, and staff.
We appreciate your understanding and invite the campus community to demonstrate exceptional care towards one another at this time.
Warm regards,
Astrid S. Tuminez
President, Utah Valley University
Wayne Vaught
Provost
Michelle Kearns
Vice President, Student Affairs
Kyle Cullimore
UVUSA Student Body President
Marilyn Meyer
Vice President, People & Culture.
Resources for students
- 988 Crisis Line has a team of trained crisis counselors. Call or text for any reason.
- TimelyCare is a service provided by UVU for student well-being. Email deanofstudents@uvu.edu to receive support.
- SafeUT allows individuals to chat with licensed counselors for support. You can also submit tips through them.
- At time of writing, the UVU health center is offering free counseling to students, their offices are in the Sorensen Center, SC – 221, details are on their website: https://www.uvu.edu/studenthealth/
- If you are having a medical or mental health emergency call 911.
For up-to-date campus information UVU has an emergency updates website:
https://www.uvu.info/
Note: This is an ongoing story and will be updated as information is available.
So sad. So very sad.