What happened to Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University
A concise explainer of the September 10, 2025 shooting in Orem, Utah, and who Charlie Kirk was.
Content note: this topic involves a fatal shooting.
- Date: Sept 10, 2025
- Venue: Utah Valley University (UVU), outdoor campus stop on his “American Comeback Tour”
- Victim: Charlie Kirk (31), co-founder of Turning Point USA
- Method: Single rifle shot fired from an elevated position/nearby rooftop
Who was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was a conservative political activist and media personality who founded Turning Point USA in 2012, known for organizing campus events and youth outreach on the political right. He hosted popular shows and was a prominent ally of Donald Trump. He was married with two children.
What happened at UVU?
During a daytime campus event at UVU, a shot rang out while Kirk was addressing the crowd. Video shows the audience scattering as security and police responded. Kirk was transported to a hospital and later died from his injuries. Authorities said the shot originated from a nearby rooftop/elevated position.
Timeline (Sept 10, 2025)
- ~12:20–12:23 p.m. MDT: Shot fired during Kirk’s remarks; crowd evacuates.
- 1:37 p.m.: UVU closes campus and urges evacuations; later issues secure-in-place for remaining individuals.
- Afternoon/evening: Law enforcement launches manhunt and releases updates; national leaders condemn the attack.
Investigation
State and federal agencies (including the FBI and ATF) investigated the shooting, releasing footage and seeking public tips. A suspect was identified and charged in the days following, with court proceedings ongoing.
Shooter (suspect) overview
In custody (no bail)
Investigation ongoing
Investigation ongoing
- Name: Tyler James Robinson
- Age: 22
- Residence: Washington County, Utah
- Status: Held without bail at Utah County Jail
- Charges / Allegations: Aggravated murder; felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury; obstruction of justice (2); witness tampering (2); committing a violent offense in the presence of a child.
- Weapon(s): Rifle recovered near scene; casings with distinctive engravings referenced in filings.
-
Engravings on casings (per filings):
-
“Notices Buldge OWO what’s this?”
— fired (spent casing) -
“hey fascist! CATCH! (↑ → ↓↓↓)”
— unfired -
“O Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Ciao, ciao!”
— unfired -
“If you read This, you are GAY Lmao”
— unfired
-
“Notices Buldge OWO what’s this?”
- Motive (if stated): Prosecutors allege a political target; official motive under investigation.
- Prior history (official): No prior criminal record noted in state/federal checks and court assessment.
- Investigating agencies: Utah DPS with assistance from FBI, ATF, and local partners.
Background / history
- Education: Enrolled in an electrical apprenticeship at Dixie Technical College; previously attended Utah State University and Utah Tech University.
- Voter record: Listed unaffiliated and inactive in recent cycles.
- Arrest & surrender: Taken into custody after a 33-hour manhunt; arrest followed family contact with authorities.
- Statements/evidence in filings: Probable-cause and charging documents describe rifle evidence, etched casings, and other investigative leads.
Details reflect public filings and major outlet summaries;
Reactions
Leaders across the political spectrum condemned the killing. Vigils were held, and flags were lowered to half-staff. The incident intensified national conversations about political violence and campus event security.