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On Wednesday, September 10, a shocking incident unfolded at a Charlie Kirk event held at Utah Valley University. The right-wing political commentator, known for his provocative style and the "Prove Me Wrong" table, was in the midst of his American Comeback Tour when gunfire erupted, leaving attendees in a state of panic.
Kirk, 31, was actively engaging with the crowd when the shots were fired. Eyewitness accounts and video footage suggest that he was struck in the side of the head or neck while speaking from under a white pop-up tent. The immediate aftermath was chaotic, with onlookers shouting “Run, run, run!” as the crowd dispersed in fear.
Aubrey Laitsch, a representative from Turning Point USA—an organization founded by Kirk in 2012—confirmed the severity of the situation in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “This is an ongoing situation. We can confirm that Charlie Kirk has been shot. He is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time,” Laitsch stated, underscoring the urgency and gravity of the incident.
In the wake of the shooting, Utah Senator Mike Lee took to social media to express his concern. He posted on X, stating, “I am tracking the situation at Utah Valley University closely. Please join me in praying for Charlie Kirk and the students gathered there.” Similarly, Vice President J.D. Vance urged his followers to pray for Kirk, describing him as “a genuinely good guy and a young father.”
Just moments before the chaos ensued, Kirk had shared photos and videos from the event on X, exclaiming, "WE. ARE. SO. BACK. 
. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour." This enthusiastic message starkly contrasts with the violence that followed.
The Utah Valley University Police Department confirmed that shots were indeed fired during the event, adding to the growing concern over safety at political gatherings. As the situation continues to develop, updates are expected as authorities investigate the incident.
Charlie Kirk’s rise in political commentary began with his involvement in the Tea Party movement of the 2000s. In 2012, he founded Turning Point USA, which aims to educate and mobilize students around principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government. His American Comeback Tour has taken him to various college campuses, where he invites critics to challenge his views at his now-iconic folding table.
Kirk’s personal life has also garnered attention; he married former Miss Arizona USA Erika Frantzve in May 2021. The couple has two young children, a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son, adding a layer of poignancy to the current situation.
As this story unfolds, the implications of such violence at political events raise significant questions about safety, free speech, and the current state of political discourse in America. For ongoing updates, please check back regularly.
