Charlie Kirk, Illinois Native & Conservative Activist, Assassinated at Utah Event

Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative political commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, during an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was 31 years old. The tragedy occurred around 12:10 p.m. local time during an installment of his “American Comeback Tour.” Kirk was seated at his signature “Prove Me Wrong” debate table—designed to engage students in direct conversation—when a single shot struck him in the neck. Witnesses described an immediate scramble and panic as the crowd fled the area.

Authorities initially detained an older man but later confirmed he was not the shooter. However, on September 12, law enforcement announced that a suspect has been captured. The suspect is 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a resident of Utah. He was allegedly turned in by a family member who recognized him in surveillance images circulated by authorities.

The weapon believed to have been used is a high-powered bolt-action rifle, recovered near the scene after the shooting. Investigators say it was found in a wooded area not far from the campus.

President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on social media, calling him “beloved and admired,” and urged prayers for his family. He also welcomed news of the suspect’s capture, saying there’s “a high degree of certainty” that the right person is in custody.

Leaders from across the political spectrum, including Utah Governor Spencer Cox, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and members of the House of Representatives, condemned the violence and expressed grief and solidarity. The incident has drawn national attention and concern over the rise of politically motivated attacks at public events.

Born on October 14, 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Charlie Kirk rose from Chicago’s suburbs to become a prominent voice in conservative youth politics. He briefly attended Harper College before dedicating himself fully to political activism, founding Turning Point USA at age 18 in 2012. Under his leadership, the group grew into a major conservative youth organization with hundreds of thousands of student members and a presence on campuses across the country. The organization launched initiatives such as the Professor Watchlist and Turning Point Academy, and expanded into affiliated arms like Turning Point Action and Turning Point Faith. Kirk also hosted the widely syndicated “Charlie Kirk Show” podcast, and earlier this year was appointed by President Trump to serve on the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.

Illinois remained an important part of Kirk’s work and outreach. On April 19, 2022, he was the keynote speaker at the Sangamon County Lincoln Day Dinner held at the Bank of Springfield Center. At that event, the young activist appealed to attendees as a dynamic voice in conservative politics, championing free-market ideals and limited government. His ties to Illinois and his influence on conservative youth movements left a lasting mark on the state as well as the broader national conversation.

Kirk’s death marks a shocking and tragic moment in American political life. With the suspect now in custody and investigations underway, many across the country are mourning the loss of a figure who shaped conservative activism for a generation.