The murder is under investigation by the FBI and local authorities.
On Wednesday at an event at Utah Valley University, conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed. The event drew thousands of attendees. No charges have been made for the murder yet.
Kirk, 31, was an influential conservative that founded Turning Point USA. The youth organization is active on over 3,500 college campuses.
Kirk was an author and hosted a popular podcast, “The Charlie Kirk Show.” He brought “Prove Me Wrong” debates to college campuses and was an ally of President Donald Trump.
Videos of the attack show Kirk on stage debating with a student over mass shootings involving transgender individuals. Following the shooting, Kirk was said to be in critical condition at a nearby hospital.
President Trump announced Kirk’s death on social media. “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,” wrote the president.
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania reacted to the news of Kirk’s death, condemning acts of political violence that have become increasingly common across the United States.
U.S. Senator Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania wrote, “Dina and I are heartbroken to learn that Charlie Kirk has passed away. He was a good man and a good friend with a beautiful young family. His murder is an outrage. Violence is never the answer – no matter your politics. What happened today is horrifying and must stop. Dina and I will continue to hold his family and all those close to him in our hearts.”
U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania also condemned the violence on social media. “Our family grieves for Charlie Kirk’s family. We must collectively find a way forward,” he wrote.
MSNBC issued an apology on Wednesday after one of its analysts suggested Charlie Kirk’s rhetoric was to blame for his death.
Analyst Matthew Dowd said Kirk has been “one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions.”
Matthew Dowd on MSNBC suggests it's CHARLIE KIRK'S FAULT HE WAS SHOT:
“[He is] constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech, aimed at certain groups. And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which often then to hateful actions.” pic.twitter.com/Bbl2aicMGn
— Bill D'Agostino (@Banned_Bill) September 10, 2025
Before the news that Kirk had died from the gunshot, Dowd said, “We don’t know any of the full details of this yet. We don’t know if this was a supporter shooting off their gun in celebration.”
MSNBC’s president Rebecca Kutler issued a statement apologizing for the concerning comments made by Dowd in a statement on social media.
“During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable. We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise,” the statement read.
The apology was posted to MSNBC’s Public Relations account on X, rather than its main page. Dowd is still employed by MSNBC.
Kirk is known for drawing many young voters into the Republican party through his outreach online and on college campuses.
He grew up in the Chicago suburbs and became involved in political activism in high school. He did not finish college and founded Turning Point USA after he dropped out to spread his conservative beliefs to young people.
During President Trump’s 2016 campaign, Kirk became the personal aid to the president’s son, Donald Trump Jr.
“This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation. I want to be very clear this is a political assassination,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
The shooting is under investigation. A suspect was apprehended, but later released, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Kirk leaves behind his wife and two young children.
