Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Shot at Public Event: Shocked Reactions Across Hollywood & Politics

Read more on his death here.

Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at a student Q&A event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Wednesday. According to local Fox 13 Now, a suspect is in custody after the shooting.

Officials from the school told the outlet that shots were fired from the top of the Losee Center on campus within minutes of Kirk beginning his speech, which is approximately 200 yards from where he was speaking. The campus was evacuated.

Kirk's condition is currently unknown. In a statement to TMZ, Turning Point USA, which Kirk co-founded and on which he serves as executive director, said, "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."

Video footage from the event reveals that the shooting occurred as Kirk was involved in a tense exchange with a student about transgender mass shooters, according to Newsweek.

A student reportedly asked, "Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?" the student asked. When Kirk replied, "Too many," the student retorted that the number was five.

The conversation continued, with the student asking about mass shootings in general, with Kirk asking, "Counting or not counting gang violence?" It was at this point that a gunshot rang out and Kirk fell back, visibly shot in his neck.

After the shooting, UVU released an official statement to its social media: "Today at about 12:10 a shot was fired at the visiting speaker, Charlie Kirk. He was hit and taken from the location by his security. Campus police is investigating."

About 30 minutes later, the decision was made to completely close the UVU campus, canceling all classes until further notice. The school again took to X, urging all students to leave campus immediately and comply with police instructions amid the ongoing investigation.

Despite this initial report saying that a suspect was in custody, Scott Trotter, a university spokesperson, later released a statement to Deseret News that the suspect is not yet in custody: "On September 10, 2025, at 12:20 a single shot rang out in the quad near the food court on the Utah Valley University Orem Campus as Mr. Charlie Kirk began speaking at his planned rally. We can confirm that Mr. Kirk was shot, but we don't know his condition. The suspect is not in custody. Police are still investigating Campus is closed for the rest of the day."

There were immediate shocked reactions from across the political spectrum to the shooting of the polarizing public figure. Vice President J.D. Vance was among the first, writing on X, "Say a prayer for Charlie Kirk, a genuinely good guy and a young father."

President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social, where he wrote, "We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!"

Former Vice President Kamala Harris posted, "I am deeply disturbed by the shooting in Utah. Doug and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family. Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence."

Donald Trump Jr. also spoke out after the shooting, writing on X, "Charlie Kirk is one of the finest humans I know. Everyone please lift him and his family up in prayer."

California Governor Gavin Newsom also spoke out, writing, "The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible in the United States of America. We must reject political violence in EVERY form."

Democrat leaders Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, and Nancy Pelosi all spoke out on social media, as well, with Schumer posting, "Political violence has no place in America. This shooting is horrifying, and I’m praying for Charlie Kirk and his family." Jeffries added, "Political violence is NEVER acceptable. My thoughts and prayers are with Charlie Kirk and his family."

Pelosi wrote, "The horrific shooting today at Utah Valley University is reprehensible. Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation. All Americans should pray for Charlie Kirk’s recovery and hold the entire UVU community in our hearts as they endure the trauma of this gun violence."

"Political violence has no place in our country. No matter who we are or what we believe, no one should fear being shot for their politics. My thoughts are with Charlie Kirk’s family in this horrifying moment," wrote Stacey Abrams.

Elon Musk jumped on his platform, as well, writing, "The shot looked real bad, but I sure hope Charlie makes it somehow"

Director Jon Favreau added, "Horrifying news that Charlie Kirk has been shot. Praying for him and anyone else who was hurt in the shooting. F--k." Actor John Fugelsang, meanwhile, took to social media to ask, "Do these idiots even realize that shooting Charlie Kirk makes you a worse person than Charlie Kirk?"

Meanwhile, activist Shannon Watts argued, "The problem with allowing guns everywhere is that no one is safe anywhere."

Maria Shriver took to her social media to post, "This is a violent act of hate that we must all denounce, all of us, regardless of party. This is reprehensible, horrendous violence that affects each and every one of us."

Russell Brand also took to X, writing, "Lord, be with Charlie Kirk and his family," while Chris Pratt added, "Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God help us."

See more reactions below:

This is a developing story...