by Sharon Rondeau
(Sep. 10, 2025) — Podcaster and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was reportedly hit by a bullet early Wednesday afternoon while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, multiple outlets report.
Kirk is a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel and host of “The Charlie Kirk Show” on the Salem Radio Network.
Kirk, 31, is married and has two very young children.
The Deseret News, which was on-scene, reported Kirk was hit in the neck. His condition at this time is unknown.
A suspect is reportedly in custody.
At 4:00 p.m. EDT, Martha McCallum of Fox News reported Kirk is in “critical” condition via the Associated Press.
This is a developing story; please check back for updates.
At 4:01 p.m., “The Will Cain Show” host Will Cain held a moment of silence for Kirk after recounting he had been “texting” with Kirk as well as hosting him on his program Tuesday.
Former Utah congressman and Fox News contributor Jason Chaffetz, who was present at the event with his family, while holding back tears told Cain Utahns had been looking forward to hearing Kirk speak at the university.
The shot rang out, Chaffetz said, after someone raised a question regarding a “transgender” issue.
Kirk “immediately fell backwards,” Chaffetz said, as the horror unfolded. “It seemed to me…I don’t think those buildings are 200 yards away…from my vantage point, hearing what I heard, it seemed to me like the shot was much closer than that,” apparently contradicting reports that the shooter was approximately 200 yards away.
“How quickly did he receive medical attention?” Cain asked.
Kirk was speaking under an awning, Chaffetz said, and received help “fairly quickly.”
“He lets anybody come up, ‘Let’s have a discussion,'” Chaffetz said of his colleague’s openness to engaging in conversation with the public.
Update, 4:33 p.m.: According to a spokesman for Utah Valley University, the shooting suspect is not in custody.
4:51 p.m.: According to President Trump, Kirk has passed away.