Charlie Kirk was shot while on stage at an event during a stop at Utah Valley University on his American Comeback Tour Wednesday, just as he answered a question from an audience member about mass shootings committed by transgender people.
The conservative influencer jerked back and appeared to recoil in pain and grab at his neck as the crack of a single gunshot rang out from the crowd, a video from the scene shows, but the extent of his injuries are unconfirmed.
Kirk was conducting a Q&A session from a pop-up tent on campus when the incident occurred, sending thousands of spectators into a panic, according to a flurry of social media posts.
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz was at the event with his family. He told Fox News that the shot came during the second question Kirk was answering about transgender shooters.
“He fell back to his left. Everybody hit the deck. Everybody was screaming, then everybody was running,” he said.
Chaffetz added while Kirk had some security guards in front of where he was speaking, there were no security checks going in and the event had a light police presence.
He told the outlet he believed it was “no coincidence” Kirk was shot during the question about transgender mass shootings, adding that he realized “he may be criticized for that”
Chaffetz said he believed that Kirk was shot at close proximity from the front of the stage.
Police in Orem, Utah — where the university is located — could not provide further details but promised to keep The Post updated as more details emerged.
The university alerted students soon after the shooting that a suspect had been taken into custody, but the assailant’s identity was not yet released.
President Trump addressed the attack in a Truth Social post, writing, “We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
