Charlie Kirk / Trump's close aide Charlie Kirk shot dead, President orders to lower the American flag

Charlie Kirk: Political violence has once again shaken the country in America. Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University. This heinous incident has not only shaken American politics but has also dealt a deep personal blow to President Trump. Trump confirmed the tragic incident on his social media platform Truth Social, calling Charlie Kirk a "great and greatest" personality who was loved and respected by all.

Details of the incident

The horrific incident took place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Orem campus of Utah Valley University, where Charlie Kirk was speaking at an event as part of the "American Comeback Tour" of his organization Turning Point USA. At around 12:20 pm, when Kirk was answering a student's question related to mass shooting, a bullet hit him in the neck. An eyewitness, Luke Pittman, said, "We heard a loud explosion. At first we thought it was fireworks or confetti, but then we saw blood pouring from Charlie Kirk's neck and people started running around screaming."

Kirk was rushed to the hospital immediately after the incident, but his life could not be saved. Turning Point USA confirmed his death in a statement, saying, "It is with a heavy heart that we have to report that Charlie Kirk was shot and killed. We pray for his family and loved ones."

Massive investigation underway in search of attacker

Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the killing a "political assassination" and said, "This is a dark day for our state and nation. We will find the killer and bring him to justice." FBI Director Kash Patel said that two suspects were initially detained, one of whom, George Zinn, was later released on charges of obstruction, while the other suspect, Zakaria Qureshi, was also released after questioning. Authorities believe it was a well-planned and targeted attack, possibly fired from a tall building or rooftop.

The FBI and the Utah Department of Public Safety are jointly investigating the matter. The FBI has started a digital tip line so that people can share any information about the attacker. The identity of the attacker or his motive has not been revealed yet.

Reaction of President Trump and leaders

President Donald Trump expressed deep sorrow and anger over the incident and called it "a dark moment for America". He said in his video message, "Criticism of radical left-wing ideology is responsible for such terrorist incidents. My government will find every person and organization involved in this heinous crime." Trump ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast across the US until the evening of September 14, 2025 in memory of Charlie Kirk.

The White House also issued a statement confirming this order. Many other leaders also condemned the incident. Former President Joe Biden said, "There is no place for this kind of violence in our country." Former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom also called the attack "abhorrent and reprehensible." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Kirk as a "true friend of Israel" and called his killing an "attack on those who fight for freedom and truth."

Charlie Kirk: An influential personality

Charlie Kirk, 31, was the founder of Turning Point USA, America's largest conservative youth organization. Started in 2012 at the age of 18, the organization promotes right-wing values ​​in schools and colleges. Kirk was known for his "Prove Me Wrong" debate sessions, where he would engage in open debates with students. His popularity and close ties with the Trump family made him an influential figure among young Republican voters.

Kirk's wife, Erica Frantzway, a former Miss Arizona USA, and their two young children—a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son—have been deeply devastated by the incident.

Rising political violence in the US

The killing is another sign of rising political violence in the US in recent years. According to the Center for Strategic International Studies, from 2016 to 2025, 25 attacks and threats motivated by ideological differences have been recorded, while there were only two such incidents in the previous two decades. Two assassination attempts on Trump last year and attacks on other leaders show the severity of this violence.

University and community grieve

Utah Valley University has announced a closure of its campus from September 11 to 14 following the tragedy. "We are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of our guest Charlie Kirk. We offer our condolences to his family," the university said in a statement. Students on campus were evacuated by police, and a heavy police presence was deployed for investigation.