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By Hollie Silverman and Joshua Rhett Miller
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Ed. note: This story has been updated to reflect that Kirk has passed away from his injuries in Wednesday's shooting, according to President Trump.
Conservative activist and popular influencer Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an appearance at a campus event in Utah on Wednesday,
The shooting took place at about 12:20 p.m. local time Wednesday during a student Q&A at UVU in Orem, according to a statement from Utah Valley University (UVU) and videos from the scene.
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"There was a single shot fired from the top of a nearby building about 200 yards away," the statement said.
A suspect remained at large Wednesday afternoon, Orem city officials told Newsweek in a statement.
The Context
The shooting arrives amid broader, documented concerns about political violence in the United States, including from the left.
Recent incidents of violence across the country have resulted in heightened security and legal scrutiny of politically motivated attacks.
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Who Was Charlie Kirk?
Kirk, 31, was the founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, a conservative campus organization.
He regularly appeared on college campuses and hosted media programs, including his popular podcast The Charlie Kirk Show.
What We Know About UVU Shooting
Utah Valley University issued an alert saying a single shot was fired from a nearby building during a Kirk appearance.
The Associated Press quoted Turning Point USA public relations manager Aubrey Laitsch: "We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie."
Video posted online and reviewed by Newsweek shows the moment a shot is heard and appears to show Kirk recoiling.
Kirk was immediately transported by his security team to a local hospital, an updated statement from UVU to Newsweek said.
"Campus was immediately evacuated. Campus is closed and classes have been canceled until further notice. We are asking those still on campus to secure in place until police officers can safely escort them off campus."
The FBI, Orem Police, UVU Police, and Utah Department of Public Safety are investigating, according to the statement.
The timeline of law enforcement updates and the exact medical status of Kirk remain fluid.
Follow Newsweek's live blog of this developing story here.
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Who Was Charlie Kirk's Wife, Erika Frantzve?
In 2021, he married Erika Frantzve, a former Miss Arizona USA pageant winner.
"Above all, Erika cherishes her role as the wife of Charlie Kirk and the mother of their precious son and daughter," her website reads. "As she continues to grow in her ministry, leadership, and entrepreneurial endeavors, Erika remains committed to inspiring others to live with purpose, rooted in faith, and driven by the love of Christ in every aspect of life."
Frantzve's LinkedIn says she is a philanthropist and entrepreneur.
She is listed as the owner of PROCLAIM Streetwear on her website and founder of Everyday Heroes Like You, a 501(c)(3) on LinkedIn.
"Frantzve is also a licensed real estate agent with The Corcoran Group in NYC, an agency represented model, and casting director for various TV networks," according to the website.
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Kirk and Frantzve Share Two Children
Kirk was a father of two young children, a daughter born in 2022 and a son born in May 2024.
On his Instagram, Kirk recently posted about celebrating his daughter's birthday, saying, "Happy birthday to our incredible daughter. Teaching her to know God, alongside @mrserikakirk, is the greatest privilege. Having a family will change your life in the best ways, so get married and have kids. You won't regret it."
What is Turning Point USA?
Turning Point USA describes itself on its website as "a national student movement dedicated to identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government."
The organization was co-founded by Kirk in June 2012, according to the group's materials. It has since become an influential power broker on the right for its ability to draw crowds of young conservatives to its events.
How Did Charlie Kirk Make Money?
Public reporting indicates Kirk's income streams previously included leadership pay at Turning Point USA, paid speaking engagements such as his national "American Comeback Tour," and revenues tied to his media programming, including The Charlie Kirk Show, and authored books.
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What People Are Saying
Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA, told Newsweek: "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."
Vice President JD Vance, on social media: "Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father."
FBI Director Kash Patel, on X: "We are closely monitoring reports of the tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Our thoughts are with Charlie, his loved ones, and everyone affected. Agents will be on the scene quickly and the FBI stands in full support of the ongoing response and investigation."
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social: "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"
What Happens Next
Local police and federal authorities are investigating the shooting.
A suspect is still on the loose, according to the City of Orem.
Update 9/10/25, 3:25 p.m. ET. This story has been updated with more information.
Update 9/10/25, 4:03 p.m. ET. This story has been updated with more information.
Update 9/10/25, 4:38 p.m. ET. This story has been updated with more information.
Updare 9/10/25, 5:04 p.m. ET. This story has been udpated with more information.
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