Sisters Clara Hetland, 4, left, Haddie Hetland, center, 9, and Audra Hetland 6, of Surprise, Ariz., spend time at a makeshift memorial set up at Turning Point USA headquarters after the shooting death at a Utah college on Wednesday of Charlie Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the organization, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Phoenix.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The shooter, who fired from a rooftop before fleeing into nearby woods, remains unidentified and at large.
Authorities are now urging the public to step forward with information as the investigation intensifies.
Shooter Still on the Run
More than 24 hours after the killing, officials admitted they had no confirmed suspect. A video showed the attacker sprinting across the roof, dropping down, and disappearing into the woods.
The shooter, believed to have a “college-age” appearance, wore a black long-sleeve shirt, hat, and sunglasses. Investigators say the attacker managed to blend in with the campus crowd before the ambush.
Evidence and Reward Announced
Investigators recovered several clues. A palm print, a shoe impression, and a high-powered Mauser .30-caliber rifle were found along the escape route. A spent cartridge was discovered in the chamber, with three live rounds in the magazine.
Authorities released photos of the suspect and announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Despite detaining two people immediately after the incident, both were released, forcing investigators to pursue new leads.“We have people across the country working to bring this perpetrator to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. The FBI confirmed receiving over 7,000 tips.
Attack Captured on Video
The daylight shooting was caught on video and quickly circulated online. Kirk, a close ally of Donald Trump, was speaking on social issues when the gunshot rang out.
Witnesses watched in horror as Kirk collapsed, clutching his neck as blood poured from the wound. Panic erupted as the audience screamed and rushed for cover.
Chaotic Scenes on Campus
Several students and attendees scrambled into classrooms after the shot. They barricaded doors with tables and even tied an electric pencil sharpener cord to a chair to reinforce the lock.
Madison Lattin, who witnessed the moment, described the fear: “Blood was falling, and you’re scared not just for him, but for your own safety.”
On Thursday, Kirk’s signature event canopy, printed with his slogan “Prove Me Wrong,” remained abandoned on campus grounds.
Political and Public Reaction
The assassination sparked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum. Trump called the killing a “tragedy” and announced that Kirk would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
Vice President JD Vance and his wife visited Kirk’s family in Salt Lake City. “So much of our success traces to Charlie’s ability to organize and lead,” Vance wrote on X.
Former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, herself a shooting survivor, also expressed grief: “The murder of Charlie Kirk breaks my heart. My deepest sympathies are with his wife, children, and friends.”
Controversy Surrounding Kirk’s Visit
Kirk, known for sparking heated debates on college campuses, was at Utah Valley University for the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour.”
His appearance had already divided the campus. An online petition seeking to block his participation gained nearly 1,000 signatures. The university defended his right to speak, citing free speech protections.
Ironically, Kirk was answering a question about gun violence when the fatal shot was fired.
Kirk’s Legacy and Funeral Plans
Kirk’s influence on young Republicans was widely acknowledged. Through his nonprofit Turning Point USA, he mobilized student activism nationwide.
His casket was flown aboard Air Force Two to Phoenix, where Turning Point USA is headquartered. Trump confirmed he will attend the funeral, though details are yet to be announced.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to treat the incident as a case of targeted political violence. The suspect’s weapon is being analyzed in a federal lab.
Local residents remain on edge as the manhunt continues. “With the shooter not being caught yet, it’s a real worry,” said nearby resident Kathleen Murphy.
Law enforcement has urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that public tips may be the key to solving the case.
