Influential political commentator and Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk was shot on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University (UVU), in an incident that has shocked the nation and reignited debate over political violence in the United States.

According to witnesses and videos shared on social media, Kirk, 31, one of the most prominent figures in the conservative youth movement, was struck in the neck by at least one round while participating in a Q&A session under a tent before a crowd of about 2,000 people. The event was part of the organization’s “American Comeback Tour.”

“We can confirm that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA, in an initial statement to the media. The severity of his injuries has not been officially disclosed, though unconfirmed reports about his condition are circulating.

University officials confirmed the arrest of a suspect on campus. Ellen Treanor, UVU spokesperson, said the individual—who is not a student—allegedly fired from a building roughly 200 meters from the event site. “The suspect is now in police custody,” Treanor added.

Law enforcement’s response was immediate. FBI agents and personnel from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were deployed to the campus to assist with the investigation. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed their mobilization on X.

FBI Director Kash Patel released a statement saying: “We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and all those affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly, and the FBI fully supports the ongoing response and investigation.”

Charlie Kirk baleado en un evento en la Universidad de Utah Valley. Sospechoso identificado. pic.twitter.com/qdnwe0ZFeb

— Baja News (@MxBajanews) September 10, 2025

Political Reactions

The attack sparked a wave of reactions and condemnation across the political spectrum, reflecting a rare moment of unity amid deep polarization.

President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, wrote on Truth Social: “We must pray for Charlie Kirk, who has just been shot. A great man who rose from the bottom to the top. GOD BLESS HIM!”

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/GqYC4QdhA1

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 10, 2025

Vice President J.D. Vance, who described Kirk as “a truly good man and a young father,” also called for prayers. Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah said: “I am closely following the situation at Utah Valley University. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.”

From the Democratic side, California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly condemned the attack: “The assault on Charlie Kirk is repugnant, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in ALL its forms.”

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, herself a survivor of a shooting, expressed her horror: “There will always be political disagreements in democratic societies, but we must never allow the United States to become a country that answers disagreements with violence.”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox emphasized: “Those involved will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life. Americans of all political persuasions must unite in condemning this act.”

A Rising Wave of Political Violence

The shooting comes amid a troubling rise in political violence across the United States, affecting figures across the ideological spectrum. Recent incidents include the murder of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband in June, Molotov cocktail attacks on a campaign office in Colorado, and an arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor’s residence in April. The most high-profile case was the assassination attempt on then-President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania last year.

Charlie Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, has become a highly influential voice within the conservative movement, reaching millions of young people with his opposition to “woke ideology” and his strong support for Trump-aligned causes.

The UVU campus remains on lockdown, and all classes have been canceled until further notice as investigations continue to determine the motive and precise circumstances of the attack.