Shock and horror gripped the United States on Thursday, 9 September 2025, after Charlie Kirk, 31, a high-profile conservative (Republican) activist and close ally of United States of America (US) President Donald Trump, was shot dead while addressing thousands of students at Utah Valley University.
The assassination unfolded in broad daylight before a crowd of about 3,000 people gathered in the university quadrangle. Videos circulating on social media show the activist recoiling in his chair, with blood visible on his neck, as panic and chaos spread through the audience.
According to eyewitnesses, Kirk was responding to a question on gun violence when a single bullet struck him around 12:20 p.m. Utah time.
Emma Pitts, a journalist from the Deseret News who was present at the time of Kirk’s assassination, said that everything happened so fast and chaos ensued in no time thereafter.
“I heard a loud bang and saw his body fall over in slow motion. We all dropped to the ground for about 30 to 45 seconds, then everyone around us started running,” she recounted.
Kirk was rushed to hospital in a private vehicle, but his death was later confirmed by President Trump. The slain activist’s wife and two children were on campus during the shooting but escaped unharmed, and no other injuries were reported.
Authorities say the killing was a targeted assassination and believe the fatal shot was fired from the roof of UVU’s Losee Centre by a suspect dressed in dark clothing. He remains at large.
According to sources from US law enforcement, Utah police mounted a massive manhunt, locking down the campus and deploying heavily armed officers who went door-to-door searching for the killer. CCTV footage is under review, while shaky videos posted online appear to show a shadowy figure on the rooftop immediately after the shooting. However, investigators say the images are too poor to confirm.
Two individuals were initially arrested but later released after officials confirmed they had no connection to the incident. “This shooting is still an active investigation,” Utah’s Department of Public Safety said in its latest update.
Speculation is mounting on social media over the circumstances surrounding Kirk’s death, with some users alleging it may have been orchestrated by Israel amid concerns that his previously firm pro-Israel stance was beginning to waver.
However, others suggest possible links to U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming the activist had recently distanced himself from Trump’s camp. While no evidence has been presented to support these theories, the speculation continues to fuel debate among U.S. citizens online.
The assassination has rattled America, where debates over gun violence and political extremism are already polarizing society.
