On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah during his “American Comeback Tour.”
He was hit by a gunshot to the neck, at around the moment he was responding to a question from the audience about how many mass shootings had occurred in the U.S. over the past ten years. The shot was believed to come from a rooftop of the Losee Center building, about 140-200 yards away from the stage.
Shortly after the shooting, law enforcement gathered multiple pieces of evidence: surveillance footage, footprints and palm prints, and notably bullet casings with engraved messages with political or ideological content—such as “Hey fascist! Catch!” and “If you read this, you are gay lmao.”
On September 11, authorities released surveillance images; the suspect was later identified through efforts of his family. His father, with a family friend, recognized him in those released images and contacted law enforcement.
The suspect, Tyler James Robinson, aged 22, from Utah, was arrested and charged with several serious counts, including aggravated murder and unlawful firearm discharge. He is not affiliated as a student at UVU.
Authorities believe he acted alone, and that his political views—and possibly online communications—played a role. Investigators also uncovered messages on Discord referring to retrieving a rifle from a drop point, and found unused rounds with ideological engravings.
The shooting has stirred intense debate on political violence, safety at public/political events, radicalization online, and how polarized rhetoric may escalate into action. The investigation is ongoing; law enforcement is probing motives and whether others may have been involved.