Summary
- Charlie Kirk shot at Utah Valley University event.
- Shooting prompted bipartisan condemnation of political violence.
- President Trump and officials called for prayers and unity.
- Suspect detained; FBI and ATF investigating incident.
The FBI "stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation" into the incident, which took place during Kirk's speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, south of Salt Lake City, according to FBI director Kash Patel.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
said Trump on Truth Social. The president survived an assassination attempt while campaigning for re-election in July 2024, and was targeted by a second assassin weeks later.
“Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father,”
tweeted the vice-president, JD Vance. He later posted a photo of him alongside Kirk, writing:
“Dear God, protect Charlie in his darkest hour.”
Congress’s top Republicans and Democrats joined in the condemnation, with several ascribing political motives to the attack.
“There is no place in our country for political violence. Period, full stop,”
said John Thune, the Republican Senate majority leader. Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic House minority leader, echoed the sentiment, saying:
“Political violence is NEVER acceptable.”
“Please join us in praying for our good friend, Charlie Kirk,”
said Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the House.
After hearing about the attack from Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, the House oversight committee paused its review of over a dozen bills to amend laws in Washington, DC, as part of Trump's militarized crackdown on crime in the district, to observe a moment of silence in Kirk's honor.
Democrats who are thought to run for president in 2028 also condemned the violence.
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible. In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form,”
said Gavin Newsom, the California governor.
Wes Moore, the Maryland governor, wrote on X:
“Political violence is never acceptable. Ever. The First Lady and I are praying for him and his family at this time.”
What security measures are in place for high-profile speakers at universities?
Campus safety teams assess the speaker’s background, the controversial nature of their views, potential for protests or disruptions, and past incidents associated with the speaker or similar events. This assessment determines the required security level.
Depending on risk, the event may have controlled entry—such as ticketing, pre-registration, bag checks, and metal detectors—to prevent weapons or prohibited items from entering.
Universities hire trained security staff, sometimes including licensed experts, private security contractors, and coordinate with local law enforcement for crowd control and rapid response to incidents.