Kirk, 31, was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City, during an event for the organization he co-founded, Turning Point. Videos posted to social media show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.”

A single gunshot was fired shortly after noon MT, moments after Kirk was reportedly asked about gun rights and mass shootings. Videos online showed Kirk then reach for his neck with his right hand as he bled heavily. Another video posted to social media showed multiple people carrying Kirk to a vehicle.

Kirk was scheduled to speak at the University of Mississippi in Oxford on October 29, 2025. Mississippi lawmakers reacted to Kirk’s death on social media.

“Elee and I join with all the people of our entire state praying for Charlie’s wife Erika, their young children, and the entire Kirk family. God blessed Charlie’s family with an incredible young leader who changed the world while he was with us. He blessed our country with his Christian evangelism, class, perseverance, and intelligence. He was a great man,” said Gov. Tate Reeves (R-Miss.).

Reeves said he’s ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff through September 14 in honor of Kirk at the request of the president.

“Haley and I are heartbroken to learn that Charlie Kirk passed away today after being shot as he spoke to students at Utah Valley State University. Charlie was a husband, father, and a leader in the conservative movement whose influence will live on long after his death,” said U.S. Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.).

“I send my deepest condolences to the family of Charlie Kirk. Political violence has no place in our nation, and I ask you to join me in praying for his loved ones during this tragic time,” said U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Miss.).

“This is a deeply troubling act of violence and a reminder of the toll gun violence takes on our communities. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk and his family. There is no place for political violence in our society, and we must reject it in all its forms,” said U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.).