What We Know About Charlie Kirk’s Shooting: His Last Words, Suspect’s Photos, and More

Charlie Kirk’s final moments shocked America — his last words to a crowd, a cryptic online post, and a haunting message from his wife hours before the attack. As authorities unveil new evidence, political figures lead emotional tributes to a tragedy that has left the nation reeling.

Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot at 31 – Donald Trump & JD Vance Immediately Speak Out

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, prompting an investigation, eyewitness reports, and reactions from political leaders.

The violence erupted during Kirk’s midday appearance, organized by the university’s student chapter of TPUSA. Witnesses said they heard a single gunshot from a nearby building before security rushed him away and campus police cleared the courtyard. Kirk was the only person reported injured.

A UVU spokesperson later recounted the details, “We had a speaker, Charlie Kirk, who was invited by a student group, Turning Point USA, who was speaking on campus today at noon.”

The university representative continued, “At about 12:20, shots were fired from a building about 200 yards from the speaker. To the best of our knowledge, the individual was hit and was taken away immediately by his security personnel. The campus is closed for the rest of the day and our campus police has a suspect in custody.”

While the university sought to reassure the community, TPUSA confirmed Kirk’s condition. “This is an ongoing situation,” said spokesperson Aubrey Laitsch. “We can confirm that Charlie Kirk has been shot. He is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time.”

By late afternoon, hopes were dashed. The organization announced Kirk’s death to their employees and supporters in a note, also shared with CNN, “It’s with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, write to notify you that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven.”

Attention soon turned to the investigation. Shortly after Kirk’s tragic death, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel said on X that the person initially detained in connection with the shooting had been questioned and released.

He also emphasized that the inquiry remains active and promised to provide continued updates in the interest of transparency.

With no suspect in custody, a wider manhunt began — but an expert warned it would be difficult. CNN’s Chief Law Enforcement and Intelligence Analyst John Miller said the attacker likely planned to move silently, remain unseen, fire a single shot, complete the mission, take the weapon, and leave little evidence behind.

The TV network’s analyst also noted that the precision of the single shot suggested the attacker had prior firearms experience.

“This is someone who knew exactly what they were doing and is probably known to others, and this may be working to the advantage of law enforcement. As someone who has a long history in shooting, this wasn’t an amateur,” he explained.

Eyewitness accounts underscored the sense of shock. Jeremy King, 45, who stood about 15 feet from Kirk, said he was initially confused at the time, believing the gunshot might have been “part of an act or performance” tied to the discussion about gun rights and the LGBTQ+ community.

King’s confusion turned to panic as Kirk collapsed. “Everyone around me dropped to the ground. I immediately stood over my wife. You don’t know if this is a single shot or if it’s going to turn into a mass shooting. And so you’re scanning,” he recalled.

He later saw Kirk’s bodyguards react swiftly, adding, “At that moment, I did grab my phone and start recording as they moved him to the SUV and loaded him up.”

As the reality of Kirk’s death set in, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. In an address, U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the shooting as a national tragedy.

“I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. Charlie inspired millions, and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror,” he said. He also described Kirk as a “martyr” and called the incident a “dark moment” in American history.

Meanwhile, the country’s Vice President JD Vance mourned Kirk’s death and echoed Trump’s message by reposting it on X, amplifying the president’s praise of Kirk as a “legendary” figure who deeply influenced young Americans.

Trump’s post also included condolences to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their family. Vance followed with a brief prayer for Kirk’s peaceful eternal rest.

Earlier in the day, Trump had issued a formal proclamation ordering that all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff through September 14. The order applies to the White House, federal buildings, military installations, and U.S. embassies worldwide.

Bystanders Describe the Tragic Scene

The unidentified shooter is believed to have taken a single, deadly shot from a rooftop nearly 200 yards away, targeting Kirk as he sat beneath a pop-up tent.

According to the university, the bullet came from a building across the quad. As of Thursday, the weapon hasn’t been found, and the gunman remains at large, leaving a community gripped with fear.

Wrong Man, Wrong Time: Police Arrest Innocents in the Aftermath

Adding to the growing controversy, two men were wrongfully arrested in the chaotic aftermath. One, described as an older man with white hair in a blue shirt, shouted “I’d do it again!” while being hauled away by officers, a disturbing outburst that turned heads.

But even that statement wasn’t enough to link him to the killing, as authorities later confirmed he had no involvement.

The second arrest came after surveillance footage flagged a man in dark clothing, eerily matching witness descriptions of someone near the scene. He was quickly taken into custody, but suspicion would soon unravel.

That same evening, FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the nation, announcing the man had been released after interrogation. He assured the public that the investigation remains active, vowing that federal authorities will keep the public informed every step of the way.

Mother Speaks Out After Son’s Wrongful Arrest as Utah Governor Issues Grim Statement

The young man’s mother spoke to The New York Post, describing her son as a devoted fan of Kirk and an ordinary student. “He’s super shaken,” she said. “He’s a great kid… I have a picture of him. He’s like 25 ft from Charlie on the other side that he was shot. He sent us a video. He was attending like any other college kid.”

Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox pulled no punches, calling the killing a “political assassination.” He reminded citizens that capital punishment is still on the books in Utah, suggesting severe justice awaits the person behind this cold-blooded execution.

‘We Thought It Was Fireworks’: Teen Siblings Recall Terrifying Scene

Those present at the scene saw the exact moment the bullet struck, right after Kirk was asked about transgender mass shooters. They saw him recoiling in agony, the sound of the shot piercing the air.

Another video, now circulating online, seems to show a shadowy figure moving across a rooftop, while terrified students below sprint for cover.

Beck Dishman, 19, was at the event with his younger sister and thought the sound of the shot was just fireworks. He recalled Kirk as someone who welcomed open debate, even with those who challenged his views. But once the reality hit, he and his sister locked themselves in a bathroom, terrified.

The sister, Grace Dishman, just 17, described scenes of pandemonium and fear. Students ran into fountains, dove for cover, and desperately tried to reach their parents.

“Everybody was calling their parents, but the phone lines were down,” she recalled. “People were crying. People were praying. I was like, ‘OK, we’re in here, we’re gonna be OK,’ but we had no idea what was going on.”

Even though she didn’t share all of his beliefs, Grace admitted Kirk was committed to student engagement. He encouraged platforms for all viewpoints and gave people a voice, no matter where they stood politically.

No Metal Detectors, No Bag Checks: Students Slam Lax Security

In the aftermath, serious questions are being asked about security. Will Buckley, a University of Utah freshman, said the gunshot was “very quiet,” and there were no metal detectors or bag checks. The event had been held in a busy public space, making it an easy target for a sniper.

After the gunfire, the university ordered a full campus evacuation, urging everyone to leave immediately so law enforcement could secure the area and begin their investigation.

Charlie Kirk’s Last Words Before His Death

The shocking incident, caught on video, shows the conservative commentator locked in a tense exchange with a member of the audience who raised a controversial question. He asked Charles Kirk how many transgender Americans were disproportionately responsible for mass shootings.

Calm and composed, Kirk responded bluntly, “Too many.” The same audience member pressed further, claiming the number of transgender mass shooters was just five.

He went on to ask another question that would become chillingly prophetic, “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?”

Without missing a beat, Kirk shot back with what would become his final words, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Seconds later, a sharp pop pierced the air, and all hell broke loose.

The crowd screamed in terror as Kirk recoiled violently in his seat, struck by a bullet in front of the stunned audience.

Data Expert Backs Audience Claim Contradicting Kirk’s Remarks

Charlie Kirk’s final discussion has now been sharply rebutted — with the audience member’s claim backed by none other than Mark Bryant, founding executive director of the Gun Violence Archive.

Despite the tense exchange moments before the fatal shooting, data show that the overwhelming majority of mass attacks in the U.S. have no connection whatsoever to transgender individuals.

From January 2013 to the present, the U.S. has witnessed more than 5,700 mass shootings, defined as incidents where four or more victims were shot and killed. Just five of those attackers were confirmed to be transgender, according to Bryant’s authoritative data.

His Final Post Published Just Hours Prior to His Demise

Hours before his death, Charlie Kirk took to Instagram and shared a cryptic post. The image appeared to be a surveillance shot showing a frightened woman sitting on the subway. The woman seemed to be reacting to someone standing over her — an individual she was allegedly murdered by.

Kirk captioned the post ominously, writing, “America will never be the same.” The post, which carried an air of foreboding, was uploaded just before his death on September 10.

The political activist also shared two videos on his Instagram Story in the hours leading up to his passing. The first video showed him speaking from inside a car. In the clip, he discussed Iryna Zarutska‘s tragic August 2025 murder on a Charlotte light rail subway, attributing the crime to someone with multiple prior convictions.

It appears Kirk was linking Zarutska’s murder to the surveillance image of the woman on the subway. The second video showed Kirk dressed in a suit, addressing an audience while holding a microphone. In this reel, he spoke about “What it means to be a nation.”

Instagram users reacted to his cryptic last post with a range of emotions. One person wrote, “It’s crazy how he posted this before his death.” Another added, “First her, now you?? is this real?? [sic]” Responding to Kirk’s caption, a fan commented, “he [sic] was right, it will never be.”

A heartbroken netizen said, “Little did he know he passed away a couple hours later ❤️❤️😩😩😭PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ❤️❤️.” Another fan wrote, “Crazy how the last stories he posted are still up, less than 24 hours ago he was talking about someone’s murder, not knowing he would be the next 😢.”

Kirk’s final moments online have stirred widespread attention, leaving a digital imprint that continues to spark discussion. Whether coincidence or intention, the timing of his last post has only deepened the sense of mystery surrounding his death.

Suspect’s Photos and More Evidence Revealed by the FBI

The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office is still hunting the suspect behind the death of Charlie Kirk at UVU. With the killer still at large, investigators have released photos and are urgently appealing for more videos, images, or information from the public — offering a reward for crucial tips.

On September 11, 2025, the FBI Salt Lake City released surveillance photos on X showing a man wearing a dark cap, sunglasses, and a black long-sleeve shirt with an American flag graphic.

He was captured from different angles, walking up a stairwell, moving down a hallway, standing near railings, and carrying a black backpack.

According to the agency’s website, they are offering a $100,000 reward as the investigation into the fatal shooting expands. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or through the FBI’s online portal.

Alongside their appeal to the public, investigators also revealed significant progress in the case. In a press statement, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls said a high-powered rifle was recovered in a wooded area where the suspect reportedly fled after the shooting.

“This morning, I can tell you that we have recovered what we believe is the weapon used in yesterday’s shooting,” Bohls said. The firearm is now being examined at the FBI Laboratory.

Agents also recovered additional physical evidence from the same location, including a footwear impression, palm print, and forearm imprints. The public has submitted more than 130 tips, which are being reviewed alongside the forensic evidence.

“All leads and tips are being fully investigated,” Bohls added. “The FBI has brought every resource to bear, and we will continue to do so throughout the course of this investigation.”

Though the suspect’s motive remains unclear, investigators say the case carries broader implications. Bohls emphasized that the FBI’s mission is not only to protect the American people but also to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

“Any attack on the First Amendment is an attack on the very foundation of our democracy,” Bohls said. “That is why we will relentlessly pursue this case until the shooter is in custody.”

Charlie Kirk Is Survived by His Wife and Two Kids – Inside His Family Life

In a devastating and unexpected tragedy, Charlie Kirk, the firebrand conservative activist and founder of TPUSA, has died, leaving behind a heartbroken wife, two small children, and a nation reeling from the loss of one of its most outspoken voices.

His wife, the radiant and fiercely devoted Erika Kirk, and their two young children were reportedly at the scene of the crime but were unharmed.

The BBC confirmed that no one else was injured at the event or on the surrounding campus. Just hours before the assassination, Erika had shared a Bible verse on social media — an eerie moment of faith before fate intervened.

A Family Man First

Those who knew and loved Charlie Kirk knew him for his unwavering devotion to his wife and children. Matt Lamb, a longtime colleague and close friend, revealed the depth of Charlie’s heart in an emotional statement to People: “I certainly feel for his family. I’m praying for them. … He loved his wife and loved his kids. […] Certainly, he has a more important legacy than Turning Point in his wife and his two kids.”

Charlie and Erika’s love story began in 2018 and led to a fairytale wedding in 2021. Their daughter arrived in August 2022, followed by a son in May 2024 — a growing family built on faith, love, and a shared calling.

Beauty Queen, Entrepreneur, Minister, Mother: Who Is Erika?

Erika, now a widow at just 35, has worn many crowns, literally and figuratively. Crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2012, she used her platform to launch a decade-long career spanning ministry, entrepreneurship, and public speaking.

She founded BIBLEin365, a daily scripture program, and launched PROCLAIM, a faith-inspired clothing line. Her popular devotional series “Midweek Rise Up” drew thousands each week seeking spiritual clarity.

As a former NCAA women’s basketball athlete, Erika’s competitive spirit was evident even before she stepped into the limelight. She once told Arizona Foothills Magazine that her passion had always been about serving others.

When she founded her nonprofit, she made it clear, saying, “I did not want to focus only on children or animals. Instead, I wanted to make it all-encompassing, offering help to everyone in a unified way.”

On her personal website, Erika describes herself as “a driven social entrepreneur, passionate ministry leader, and woman of deep faith.”

Charlie and Erika’s Extraordinary Bond

Over the years, Erika’s posts about Charlie painted a picture of a marriage rooted in purpose, laughter, and unconditional love. In one poignant Father’s Day message, she described him as the “love of her life,” writing, “Happy Father’s Day to the love of my life. Thank you for being the most intentional husband and daddy.”

And in June 2025, she sang her husband’s praises with breathtaking admiration, “My husband Charlie Kirk is a force. He is bold when the world demands silence, he is fearless where others flinch, and he has taken on the battle of the next generation, changing these hearts and minds.”

But Charlie was never one to exploit his personal life for public consumption. In an interview with Allie Beth Stuckey, he said, “So, we have a girl and a boy. And it’s no one’s business what their names are, right? Or their faces.”

Still, the couple did share precious glimpses into family milestones. When their daughter was born, Erika penned: “It took God 9 months to knit you together in my womb. And it’ll take a lifetime to discover all the precious miracles He’s placed within you. You’re so loved GK— welcome to this crazy, but beautiful, world baby girl [sic]. 🤍 8.23.2022.”

A Proud Father to the Very End

On their daughter’s third birthday, on August 3, 2025, Charlie wrote what would become one of his final public tributes, “Happy birthday to our incredible daughter. Teaching her to know God, alongside @mrserikakirk, is the greatest privilege.”

When their son was born in 2024, the new father could hardly contain his joy. He took to his social media page and announced, “Glory be to God for the birth of our Son! Erika did so amazing, I am so proud of her! ‘Children are a gift from the Lord’ Psalm 127:3 [sic].”

The devoted wife and mother added her own tear-jerking sentiment, “They kept saying, ‘your heart expands’…I didn’t believe them…until it did. And now with my heart over-pouring, I see and feel, in real time […] Welcome to the world our precious son. Daddy and I love you so much [sic].”

In July 2025, Charlie summed up his life’s greatest joy in a moving Instagram post, “Marriage is the greatest gift from God. I am blessed with the most amazing wife, mom to our children, and friend. Happy Sunday.”

And on their fourth wedding anniversary, he posted with pride, “Today marks 4 years of being married to @mrserikakirk. Second to accepting Jesus, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. She is bold, smart, loyal, and beautiful.”

Erika’s Most Emotional Tributes

Perhaps the most gut-wrenching message came on July 8, 2025, as Erika reflected on the special relationship between her husband and their daughter, “She saw him. never as the speaker, but instead her best friend […] Thank you for being our everything [sic].” Charlie responded powerfully, “Having an amazing wife makes it all the better. Love you.”

Erika had echoed that sentiment many times, never holding back her admiration. In 2020, when the pair got engaged, she wrote, “…when God writes your love story, you get to marry your best friend.”

Reflecting on their wedding, she shared, “Three years ago today I said ‘yes to the dress.’ Our wedding was very intimate…no bridesmaids, no groomsman […] It’s one day; yes it marks a new chapter of life. Yes, it symbolizes a special covenant between you, your husband and the Lord. But remember it’s the days afterward that matter more [sic].”

Her words on May 24, 2025, now echo with heartbreaking resonance. She wrote, “…when you get to raise your children with your best friend you see God’s double portion of grace in technicolor. I love you @charliekirk1776 — so blessed to do life with you babe [sic].”

Charlie’s death leaves a gaping hole in life created with his wife Erika and their two small children, who must now navigate the unimaginable pain of a life cut short and a future forever changed.