Conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, prompting President Trump to proclaim flags be flown at half-staff in his honor and sparking a national outcry over political violence.
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist, was shot and killed Wednesday during a public event at Utah Valley University, authorities confirmed. Witnesses said the shooting occurred while he was speaking as part of his “American Comeback Tour,” and that the shot came from a building roughly 200 yards away.
President Donald J. Trump ordered all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, September 14, 2025 , as a mark of respect for Kirk’s memory. The proclamation applies to the White House, all public buildings, military posts, naval stations and U.S. diplomatic facilities abroad.
Reactions poured in across party lines. Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the incident as a “political assassination,” while other state leaders, including Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, asked their jurisdictions to join in flying flags at half-staff.
No suspect has yet been confirmed in custody. Meanwhile, the event has renewed attention to political violence in America, debates over free speech, and security at public campus gatherings.