Leader of US conservative youth movement assassinated in front of crowd
Thursday, September 11, 2025 07:16 (GMT+7)Charlie Kirk, an influential right-wing youth activist and an important ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead at an event at Utah Valley University.
Charlie Kirk, an influential right-wing youth activist and key ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10 (local time).
The incident has raised concerns about rising political violence in the country. Video from the scene shows Kirk speaking to a large crowd when a gunshot is heard.
Kirk appears to collapse in his chair before the camera pans quickly and panicked screams are heard in the auditorium.
A university spokesman said police have not arrested any suspects. Earlier, the university announced that someone had been arrested.
President Trump expressed his condolences on social media and ordered flags on government buildings to be lowered to half-staff until September 14. The American flag at the White House was lowered immediately after the President’s order.
Kirk and the group he co-founded, Turning Point USA, the largest conservative youth organization in the country, played a key role in driving support among young voters for Trump in the November presidential election.
After winning his second term, Trump credited Kirk with mobilizing young voters and voters of color behind his campaign.
Kirk, 31, has 5.3 million followers on social media and is the host of the popular podcast and radio show “The Charlie Kirk Show.”
He also recently co-hosted “Fox & Friends” on Fox News. He is part of an ecosystem of conservative influencers supporting Trump — including Jack Posobiec, Laura Loomer, Candace Owens and others — who have helped spread the current president’s agenda.
Kirk frequently attacks the mainstream media and engages in cultural conflict issues involving race, gender, and immigration, often in a provocative manner.