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Erika Kirk escorted her late husband's casket back to their home in Arizona aboard Air Force Two Thursday with Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance.
FOLLOW LIVE: Trump Says Charlie Kirk Shooter Is in Custody
President Donald Trump has said he plans to attend Charlie Kirk's funeral. Trump also said that the authorities were making "great strides" in their manhunt for Kirk's shooter.
What to Know:
- Kirk was shot through the neck during a public student Q&A at Utah Valley University
- The FBI has released video footage and images of the suspected shooter
- The suspect has not yet been publicly identified and remains at large
- The shooter was described as looking like a college-age male
- A high-powered bolt-action rifle was recovered near the escape route
- Investigators collected a footwear imprint and a palm print for analysis
- Surveillance footage shows a dark figure on the UVU rooftop moments before the shooting
- Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children
- Erika Kirk escorted her husband's casket back to Arizona on AF2
- Leaders from both parties have condemned the attack as politically motivated
This live blog has closed.
Sep 12, 2025 at 07:18 AM EDT
What gun did Charlie Kirk shooter use?
Investigators found a weapon in the woodland area through which the person of interest in the shooting of Charlie Kirk had traveled as they fled the scene.
That weapon—not yet confirmed to be the one used to kill Kirk with a single fatal shot—is a Mauser .30-caliber, bolt-action rifle that was wrapped in a towel.
A spent cartridge was recovered from the chamber, and three other rounds were loaded in the magazine, according to information circulated among law enforcement and described to The Associated Press.
The weapon and ammunition were being analyzed by law enforcement at a federal lab.
This post uses reporting by The Associated Press.
Sep 12, 2025 at 07:11 AM EDT
FBI pursues more than 7,000 leads, tips—but shooter remains on the loose
More than 7,000 leads and tips have poured in during the search for the killer of Charlie Kirk, federal investigators and state officials said.
But authorities have yet to name a suspect or cite a motive in the killing.
"We cannot do our job without the public's help," Utah's Governor Spencer Cox said during a Thursday evening news conference with FBI Director Kash Patel, who did not speak.
This post uses reporting by The Associated Press.
Sep 12, 2025 at 03:21 AM EDT
Images show Erika Kirk returning to Arizona with Vances, husband’s casket
Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance escorted Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, aboard Air Force Two as they transported the late conservative activist's casket back to Phoenix, Arizona.
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Sep 12, 2025 at 02:41 AM EDT
Turning Point USA shares tribute video to founder Charlie Kirk
Sep 12, 2025 at 02:25 AM EDT
Texas Governor Greg Abbott orders flags to fly half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk
Sep 11, 2025 at 11:39 PM EDT
Utah’s Cox points to Chinese, Russian bots
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said "there is a tremendous amount of disinformation" circulating after Kirk's killing.
"We are tracking...what we're seeing is our adversaries want violence... Bots from Russia, China all over the world that are trying to instill disinformation and encourage violence. I would encourage you to ignore those, to turn off those streams, and to spend a little more time with our families," Cox said in part.
Sep 11, 2025 at 11:06 PM EDT
Student who asked Kirk question before fatal shooting releases video statement
Utah Valley University student Hunter Kozak, who asked Kirk the final questions about transgender mass shooters on Wednesday before the fatal shooting, has released a video statement.
"It's a tragedy... it's hard to grapple with," Kozak said in the video shared with CNN. "I'm part of a community that's struggling to grapple with it right now."
"People have obviously pointed to the irony that...the point that I was trying to make is how peaceful the left was. Right before he got shot. And that, that only makes sense if we stay peaceful. And as much as I disagree with Charlie Kirk, I'm on the record for how much I disagree with Charlie Kirk. But like, man dude, he is still a human being. Have we forgotten that," Kozak said.
"I stand by so little, of everything that he said, but one of the things that he stood by was conversation," Kozak said.
Sep 11, 2025 at 10:36 PM EDT
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said officials "have no idea" if the person of interest in connection with Kirk's killing is nearby or still in the state.
"We have no idea. We're exploring leads for individuals out of state and individuals that live close by. We literally have persons of interest, tips coming in on the tip line that are spanning... far and wide," Mason told NBC's Morgan Chesky in part in a clip posted to X by @Aycn.
Sep 11, 2025 at 10:16 PM EDT
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said he is working with the state's attorneys to eventually pursue the death penalty to charge the perpetrator when apprehended.
"More than anything we are going to catch this person," Cox said.
Sep 11, 2025 at 10:03 PM EDT
Officials release video of “assassin” fleeing rooftop
During a news conference Thursday night, officials released a video showing the "assassin" fleeing the rooftop after Kirk was fatally shot.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said the FBI team has not received this number of digital media leads and tips from the public since the Boston marathon bombing in 2013, with over 7000.
The person of interest's identity was not released.
Sep 11, 2025 at 09:51 PM EDT
Turning Point USA selling “Charlie Kirk Send Me Tee”
Turning Point USA is selling "Charlie Kirk Send Me Tee" after his assassination. The organization posted to X Thursday night with a picture of the shirt that says, "Here I am Lord, send me."
The link to purchase the shirt says, "Honor the legacy and courage of Charlie Kirk with this exclusive memorial tee. Featuring a hand-drawn line art illustration of Kirk raising his fist, paired with the powerful scripture from Isaiah 6:8 — 'Here I am Lord, send me.' — this shirt is a bold statement of faith, conviction, and leadership."
"Crafted on a premium, soft cotton tee, this design balances comfort with meaning. The minimalist artwork and inspirational quote make it versatile enough for everyday wear, church gatherings, events, or as a commemorative piece for those who want to carry forward Kirk's message of purpose and service," the site concludes.
Sep 11, 2025 at 09:08 PM EDT
Charlie Kirk’s casket arrives at Arizona church
Kirk's casket arrived at a church in Phoenix, Arizona after a motorcade procession, video from C-SPAN shows.
C-SPAN Communications Director Howard Mortman posted aerial footage of the casket on X. Kirk's casket was removed from a hearse and walked into the church.
Sep 11, 2025 at 08:50 PM EDT
Officials to hold news conference
FBI Director Kash Patel, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls will hold a news conference at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Sep 11, 2025 at 08:45 PM EDT
Erika Kirk seen departing Air Force Two
Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, was seen departing Air Force Two alongside Second Lady Usha Vance.
In a video posted to X by Fox News, Erika and Usha can be seen holding hands stepping off the plane as Charlie's casket arrived in Arizona.
Sep 11, 2025 at 08:25 PM EDT
Officials release new photos of “person of interest”
The Utah Department of Public Safety released new photos Thursday night of the "person of interest" in connection with the killing of Kirk.
In a post on X, the department said, "We're releasing additional photos of the person of interest in connection with the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University." They then noted that anyone with tips should send them via digital form.
Sep 11, 2025 at 08:12 PM EDT
European Parliament decline to hold moment’s silence for Kirk
The European Parliament declined to take a "moment of prayer and reflection" for Charlie Kirk, after it was suggested by Swedish rightwing member Charlie Weimers.
"Mr. Weimers, we discussed this, and you know that the president has denied the request for a minute of silence," Roberta Metsola, the Parliament's president, said after Weimers asked members to join him in the moment's silence.
When some members objected to her refusal, she said, "Dear colleagues, I am happy to explain it again. The decision to hold a minute of silence is a prerogative of the president."
Sep 11, 2025 at 07:57 PM EDT
Air Force Two lands in Phoenix
Air Force Two, which is transporting Charlie Kirk's casket, has landed in the commentator's home state of Arizona.
Vice President JD Vance escorted the casket onto the plane, where he was joined by Kirk's family members.
A funeral is expected next weekend.
Sep 11, 2025 at 07:44 PM EDT
Senator postpones town hall ‘out of abundance of caution’
Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego has postponed his town hall "out of an abundance of caution" in the wake of Charlie Kirk's shooting.
Gallego and the Nevada State Democratic Party had been set to hold the event on Saturday.
In a joint statement with Gallego and the state party, they offered "our deepest condolences to Charlie Kirk's family, friends, and colleagues."
"Violence is never the answer," it continued.
"Out of an abundance of caution for town hall participants, attendees, and members of the media, we have decided to postpone Senator Gallego's upcoming Las Vegas town hall."
House Speaker Mike Johnson said, during an appearance on CNN that he is looking into extra security for lawmakers, at their request, following the shooting.
Sep 11, 2025 at 07:28 PM EDT
WATCH: Vance accompanies Charlie Kirk’s casket onto Air Force Two
Vice President JD Vance was seen accompanying Charlie Kirk's casket onto Air Force Two as it was transported back from Utah to Arizona.
Vance, who was joined by several uniformed members of the military, placed a hand on the casket after it was removed from the back of a hearse, and carried across the air base tarmac to the waiting plane.
The vice president canceled his event in New York City on Thursday to fly down to Utah to meet with Kirk's family and fly them and Kirk's casket back to their home state of Arizona.
Sep 11, 2025 at 07:21 PM EDT
‘People are scared to death in this building,’ say House reps amid rise in political violence
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, the latest apparent act of political violence, has left many Congressional lawmakers on edge.
"People are scared to death in this building," Representative Jared Moskowitz, a Florida Democrat who was the target of an assassination plot in 2024, told the New York Times.
"Not many of them will say it publicly, but they're running to the speaker talking about security — and that's a lot of Republicans. People are scared, really scared."
Republican and Navy veteran Rep. Nick LaLota, who served three deployments, said, "My head's always on a swivel."
Rep. Steve Scalise, a Republican from Louisiana who was shot by a gunman in 2017, told CBS News it was "hard to focus" after learning the news of Kirk.
Sep 11, 2025 at 07:05 PM EDT
WATCH: Trump calls ‘radical left’ ‘lunatics’ after Kirk shooting
Sep 11, 2025 at 06:49 PM EDT
Trump says he had a long conversation with Charlie Kirk’s widow
President Donald Trump says he had a long conversation with Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk in the wake of his fatal shooting.
Trump did not divulge what they discussed, but said that Erika was "devasted" by the death of her husband.
"She's devastated, she's absolutely devastated, as you can imagine," he told reporters at the White House.
Sep 11, 2025 at 06:36 PM EDT
Rep. Boebert explains why she asked for public prayer for Kirk on House floor
The floor of the House of Representatives erupted into shouting on Wednesday as Republican Representative Lauren Boebert asked for a prayer in honor of Turning Point USA co-founder and CEO Charlie Kirk.
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson led a moment of silence on the House floor for Kirk before recognizing Boebert, who said in part that "silent prayers get silent results," according to Politico. The request drew audible groans and shouts from other members.
As lawmakers interrupted, the chamber briefly devolved into a back-and-forth shouting match, with Johnson banging his gavel and saying, "The House will be in order."
Boebert said, in an interview with News Nation, that her faith had compelled her to ask for the public prayer, and called on leaders to "stand up and SPEAK their faith right now."
Sep 11, 2025 at 06:26 PM EDT
Sen. McConnell says assassination of Kirk ‘sign of decay’ in America’s democracy
Senator Mitch McConnell said that the assassination of Charlie Kirk is a "sign of decay" in America's democracy.
"If passionate disagreement is a sign of a healthy democracy, political violence like yesterday's sickening display is a sign of decay," he wrote on X on Thursday.
McConnell added that the bout of political violence is "threatening the fabric of American society."
Sep 11, 2025 at 06:16 PM EDT
‘Multiple leads being investigated, but no suspect in custody,’ says law enforcement
"Multiple leads are currently being investigated" after the shooting of Charlie Kirk, but as of now, "no suspect is in custody," the Utah Department of Public Safety said Thursday.
The department said that the screenshots of the suspect, released by the FBI on Thursday, were taken from campus security footage just prior to the shooting at 12.20 p.m. MDT.
Investigators have also collected a footwear impression, a palm print, and forearm imprints for analysis.
Meanwhile, the Utah Department of Public Safety said it was not able to confirm the photos purporting to show the weapon recovered from a wooded area near the shooting site, and details about the gun and ammunition including inscriptions and symbols.
"At this time, we are not able to provide further details on the content of those inscriptions. Additionally, we are not able to confirm individual photos' authenticity, as those photos were not released by law enforcement. We are not confirming further details at this time," the statement continued.
Sep 11, 2025 at 06:10 PM EDT
Law enforcement has received more than 200 tips
Law enforcement in Utah said it has received more than 200 tips from the public in connection with Charlie Kirk's shooting, and the person of interest pictured by the FBI.
"Law enforcement would like to express its gratitude to the public for all their tips," Utah Department of Public Safety said in a statement.
"We have received more than 200 so far, and they keep coming in. Investigators rely on the public for help to bring justice in this case."
A $100,000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to the arrest of the shooter.
Tips can be made to www.fbi.gov/utahvalleyshooting or via phone on 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Sep 11, 2025 at 06:01 PM EDT
New arrest made Thursday at scene of shooting
A man has been arrested at the scene of the shooting at Utah Valley University.
The suspect, who was arrested earlier Thursday, is not the suspected gunman wanted for the murder of Charlie Kirk.
However, the man was arrested at around 11 a.m. local time after he entered the school grounds and approached the crime scene, Utah Department of Public Safety said in a statement.
"Ignoring police crime scene tape, he entered the secured area and began taking photos of the scene and Law Enforcement Officers," the statement continued.
"When an agent ordered him to stop and attempted to identify him, the male fled on foot but was soon apprehended by other officers."
The suspect, who has not been identified, has been booked into the Utah County Jail for felony obstruction and trespassing.
Sep 11, 2025 at 05:52 PM EDT
Trump says Kirk was ‘advocate of nonviolence’
President Donald Trump said that Charlie Kirk was an "advocate of nonviolence," as he urged his supporters to also respond to the shooting without violence.
The suspect for the fatal shooting of Kirk has not yet been identified and no motive has been confirmed.
However, many suspect Kirk may be the latest victim of political violence, including the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband, the firebombing of a Colorado parade, and arson at the Pennsylvania governor's residence. Last year's shooting of Trump at a campaign rally remains the most high-profile example.
Sep 11, 2025 at 05:37 PM EDT
JD Vance and his wife land in Utah to retrieve Kirk’s casket
Vice President JD Vance, and Second Lady Usha have arrived at Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah, to meet with Charlie Kirk's family and retrieve his casket.
Kirk's casket, along with his family, will be flown back to Phoenix, Arizona aboard Air Force Two, according to the Associated Press.
Sep 11, 2025 at 05:33 PM EDT
WATCH: FBI releases images of person of interest in Charlie Kirk assassination
Sep 11, 2025 at 05:18 PM EDT
Trump says authorities ‘making great strides’ on finding Kirk’s shooter
President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters outside the White House ahead of his trip to New York, said that the authorities are "making great strides" at tracking down Charlie Kirk's shooter.
"They're very talented people, let's see what happens," he said of law enforcement. "We hope they can do it soon."
Sep 11, 2025 at 05:09 PM EDT
Donald Trump announces he plans to attend Kirk’s funeral
President Donald Trump has announced he plans to attend the funeral of his late ally and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The funeral is expected to take place in Arizona next weekend, Trump told reporters on Thursday evening.
"They've asked me to go, and I think have an obligation to be there," he told reporters as he left the White House.
Sep 11, 2025 at 05:06 PM EDT
US Marshall join manhunt for Kirk gunman
The US Marshals Service has joined in the manhunt for Charlie Kirk's shooter, CNN reporter Holmes Lybrand reports.
Sep 11, 2025 at 04:55 PM EDT
Florida Issues Warning to Teachers After Charlie Kirk Assassination
Florida's top education official has vowed to investigate every teacher who made negative comments about Charlie Kirk in the wake of his fatal shooting.
State Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas sent a letter on Thursday, addressed to school district superintendents in Florida, in which he noted he had seen teachers posting "despicable comments" on social media about Kirk.
"Teachers are held to a higher standard as public servants and must ensure their conduct does not undermine the trust of the students and families they serve," he said in an X post, where he shared the letter.
"We will hold teachers who choose to make disgusting comments about the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk accountable. Govern yourselves accordingly."
In the letter, he said he plans to conduct an investigation into every educator who posts such messages and called on the superintendents to "uphold the highest standards of professionalism."
Sep 11, 2025 at 04:41 PM EDT
Rep. Onder says leftwing ideology is ‘pure evil’
Republican Rep. Bob Onder said that the ideology of the left is "pure evil."
The Missouri representative claimed, on the House floor on Thursday, that those on the American left will "literally will kill those with whom they disagree."
"There is no longer any middle ground," he added. "Some on the American left are undoubtedly well-meaning people but their ideology is pure evil.
"They hate the good, the truth, and the beautiful, and embrace the evil, the false, and the ugly."
Sep 11, 2025 at 04:31 PM EDT
AOC slams Trump for blaming ‘leftist violence’ for Kirk shooting
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has criticized President Donald Trump and many of his fellow Republican party members for blaming "leftist violence" for the Charlie Kirk shooting when authorities don't yet know the identity of the gunman.
"Whether it is a member of Congress, whether it is the President to assume and assert and cast blame when the FBI has failed to even apprehend the assailant, is absolutely an irresponsible action," Ocasio-Cortez said.
Sep 11, 2025 at 04:16 PM EDT
OPINION: From a Gen Z conservative—What Charlie Kirk meant to my generation
The horrific assassination of legendary conservative activist Charlie Kirk is a cultural reckoning for America.
Yesterday, Kirk stumped at a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) rally at Utah Valley University, civically engaging students on issues such as transgenderism and gun violence. Kirk promoted dialogue and forums at countless colleges prior, part of a greater effort to educate and mobilize a generation discouraged by current affairs. Tragically, one shot rang out that cut the conversation—and Kirk's life—short, and as of this writing the assailant is still at large.
As America mourns the loss of Charlie Kirk, a substantive void must be addressed. Our nation has lost the ability to hold a national conversation, and our failure to revive it has had deadly consequences.
The reasons for this decline are numerous. Social media has accelerated polarization, limiting meaningful and cross-ideological interactions by catering content to our interests. Trust in public institutions, which are meant to facilitate responsiveness, has plunged as partisanship persists. Unequal academic and occupational treatment under the guise of diversity, equity, and inclusion has boxed in American opportunity and left many questioning their worth. In turn, our "great" communicators have spawned a culture of disillusionment among the masses, with common social values, like empathy and manners, in observable freefall.
Read in full from Gen Z conservative Alex Rosado on Newsweek.
Sep 11, 2025 at 04:07 PM EDT
Steak ‘n Shake pay tribute to ‘courageous patriot’ Kirk
Steak 'n Shake have paid tribute to Charlie Kirk who it described as a "courageous patriot."
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Charlie Kirk. He was a devoted husband and father, a powerful voice for freedom, and a courageous patriot," the company's social media account wrote on X.
"His commitment to elevating public discourse and championing free speech and debate inspired millions around the world. He was a great American who will be profoundly missed. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones."
Sep 11, 2025 at 03:58 PM EDT
FBI Director Kash Patel heads to Orem for joint briefing on Kirk investigation
FBI Director Kash Patel is en route to Orem, Utah, where he is expected to join state and local law enforcement officials for a joint news conference, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety, NBC News reports.
Sep 11, 2025 at 03:50 PM EDT
UVU freshman recalls Kirk shooting, lack of security
Freshman Emma Robben didn't even know Charlie Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University until she saw the conservative activist on campus.
Robben, 20, told Newsweek she was surprised by the apparent lack of security at UVU's Fountain Courtyard, where Kirk, 31, was fatally shot Wednesday as thousands of students and others attended the event that sparked an online petition seeking to block his appearance.
"I was listening to him as best I could and then all of a sudden, I heard the loud bang," Robben recalled Thursday. "My first thought was, that was not a firework."
Robben estimated she was roughly 40 feet away from Kirk when a single gunshot struck him.
"I literally jumped," she said. "Everybody paused and everybody looked, and then all of a sudden, I heard the screams and the yells."
Robben said she rushed inside a nearby building on campus, trying to stay close to the windows to watch as the ensuing mayhem unfolded.
"I went back outside again to make sure nobody else was hurt, and then I met with a bunch of other students," she said. "We said a prayer. We all knelt down, held hands. We said a prayer for Charlie, we said a prayer for us and for anybody else who is involved."
The only visible security guards at the event were stationed close to Kirk, Robben said, although she heard reports on campus that plainclothes officers were also on hand.
"I didn't see anybody walking around," she said. "I just saw security down by Kirk, and no one else around the event."
The estimated crowd of 3,000 also contained many non-students, including relatives of UVU undergrads, according to Robben, who now feel unsafe at UVU. "I love UVU, it's a really cool campus and the people are amazing, but I definitely feel less safe there," Robben said. "[Kirk] was a high-profile political figure and I would've expected to see more security."
UVU's campus is scheduled to reopen on Monday, although Robben believes that's too soon.
"I'll still go to classes because I want to get good grades and keep up with my studies, but I will be very on guard and unnerved and unsettled," she said. "But it's going to be different now going to class."
Sep 11, 2025 at 03:38 PM EDT
China reacts to fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk
...
Chinese political analysts are weighing in on the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, an American conservative political activist and close ally of President Donald Trump.
The 31-year-old cofounder of Turning Point USA, a high-profile conservative youth organization, was shot in the neck by a sniper on Wednesday during a Q&A session at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Shootings, police violence, the opioid epidemic and other persistent social crises have long been recurring themes in commentary by Chinese officials and state-aligned voices on social media. These incidents are frequently held up as evidence of what Beijing calls the failings of the U.S. political system and social structure.
State media coverage of Kirk's death has remained largely factual. However, the country's typically strict online censors did not appear to be limiting discussion in the comments—a tactic often used to suppress sensitive or politically awkward narratives.
"We have noted the relevant reports and express our condolences to the victims of the shooting and our sympathy to the families of the victims," Liu Pengyu, China's embassy spokesperson in Washington, D.C., told Newsweek in an emailed statement.
Read the full story by Micah McCartney on Newsweek.
Sep 11, 2025 at 03:25 PM EDT
FBI identifies rifle used in Charlie Kirk shooting as imported Mauser
Federal investigators have confirmed that the weapon recovered in a wooded area near Utah Valley University, where the gunman fled after fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, is an imported Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle.
The rifle, commonly associated with hunting, was found alongside key forensic evidence, including a footwear impression, palm print, and forearm imprints.
Sep 11, 2025 at 03:12 PM EDT
Comedy Central pulls ‘South Park’ episode mocking Charlie Kirk after his death
Comedy Central has removed reruns of a recent South Park episode that satirized conservative activist Charlie Kirk, following his assassination at Utah Valley University. The episode, titled "Got a Nut," originally aired on August 6 and remains available for streaming on Paramount+, according to CNN and Variety reports.
The storyline featured characters Clyde and Cartman adopting Kirk-like personas, launching podcasts, and hosting campus-style debates. Clyde receives the fictional "Charlie Kirk Award for Young Master Debaters," a nod to Kirk's signature "Prove Me Wrong" format.
Kirk had reacted positively to the parody before his death, calling it "a badge of honor" and using imagery from the episode as his podcast avatar. The decision to pull reruns reflects heightened sensitivity in the wake of Kirk's killing, though the show's creators have issued no official statement.
Sep 11, 2025 at 02:57 PM EDT
Security tightens nationwide after Charlie Kirk assassination
Heightened security measures are sweeping across the U.S. following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Officials confirmed that President Trump's planned 9/11 address near the Pentagon was relocated Thursday morning "out of an abundance of caution."
Later in the day, a bomb threat was reported at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C. Though U.S. Capitol Police deemed the threat not credible, a full interior sweep was conducted as a precaution, according to a DNC spokesperson.
The ripple effect extended to political events nationwide. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez canceled her scheduled appearance in North Carolina, citing safety concerns and expressing respect for Kirk. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro also withdrew from a public event in Simi Valley, underscoring growing anxiety over political violence.
Sep 11, 2025 at 02:54 PM EDT
Joe Rogan reacts to Charlie Kirk’s death
Joe Rogan was stunned to learn about Charlie Kirk's death while recording his latest episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast with guest Charlie Sheen.
"So this just happened, we just found out that Charlie Kirk got shot," Rogan said in the episode, filmed Wednesday but released Thursday.
Sheen responded, "That's f**king awful... murdered for having a different opinion from somebody else, different ideology from somebody."
Rogan, who said he'd met Kirk previously and they'd got on well, said it "doesn't seem real" that the conservative commentator had been killed.
"We were talking about assassinations earlier, whether it's Kennedy or RFK or, you know, you think of them in the past. You think when something happens in the current, like right now with this one with Charlie Kirk, it doesn't seem real. It seems like it's gonna take a long time before we reference this as something that happened," Rogan said.
Sep 11, 2025 at 02:45 PM EDT
TikTok to remove graphic videos of Charlie Kirk shooting
Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida said Thursday that TikTok is removing videos that depict the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Luna posted on X, "I have just received word from TikTok that they will be removing the horrific videos of Charlie Kirk's final moments. Thank you, TikTok. I have also asked them to take down content that uses this horrific incident to incite violence against others."
The Florida Republican shared a statement from TikTok that read, "We are saddened by the assassination of Charlie Kirk and send our deepest condolences to his wife Erika, their two young children, and their family and friends. These horrific violent acts have no place in our society. We remain committed to proactively enforcing our Community Guidelines and have implemented additional safeguards to prevent people from unexpectedly viewing footage that violates our rules."
Sep 11, 2025 at 02:40 PM EDT
Senator Tina Smith expresses grief, warns of escalating political violence
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith said she was overwhelmed by a sense of déjà vu after learning of Charlie Kirk's assassination, describing the moment as "almost speechless with despair." Her reaction, shared with The Washington Post, comes just months after the politically motivated killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.
Smith recalled the chilling parallels between the two attacks, noting that the suspect in the Hortman case, Vance Boelter, had posed as a police officer and carried a hit list that included her name. "Not again! What's next?" Smith said, calling for urgent reflection on how to break the cycle of political violence.
She urged Americans not to turn away in horror, but to confront the growing threat to public figures and democratic discourse.
Sep 11, 2025 at 02:24 PM EDT
Statement posted to Charlie Kirk’s X account: ‘All of us will miss Charlie’
A new statement has been posted to Charlie Kirk's X account. It reads, in part: "Although Carlie is now gone, his legacy will endure. He shall not grow old; age shall not weary him. For all time, he will remain the brave young man who inspired tens of thousands of Americans to better themselves and take action to better America. All of us will miss Charlie. None of us will ever forget him."
Sep 11, 2025 at 02:24 PM EDT
Sociology professor says Kirk shooting is latest example of political violence becoming ‘normalized’
Peter Simi, Professor of Sociology at Chapman University, told Newsweek that the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk was "another tragic indication of how much political violence has been normalized in the US over the past decade or so."
"We saw it with the recent assassinations in Minnesota and too many other instances," Simi added, referring to the June assassination of Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman, and her husband, and the connected shooting of state senator John Hoffman and his wife.
"Maybe most significant, we've seen official endorsements for political violence such as President Trump's pardons for the January 6th insurrectionists which was quite literally an official stamp of approval. When political violence receives that kind of legitimacy, we should expect people of all sorts with various grievances and different ideological orientations to resort to violence. When political leaders endorse political violence, it is nothing less than a call to action and it's a recipe for disaster for democracy and public safety.
"There are already plenty of more radical or extreme variants within the MAGA movement who are explicitly calling for violence so I don't know if I would see the void as being filled in that way so much as I think the murder of Charlie Kirk is going to be a catalyst for various elements to point toward and we're seeing this already with claims like, "the left is at war with us" and "we need to recognize it as such" etc."
Sep 11, 2025 at 02:15 PM EDT
DNC HQ receives bomb threat in latest example of politically-targeted violence
U.S. Capitol Police and the bomb squad were called out to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, in yet another apparent example of politically-targeted violence, just 24 hours after Charlie Kirk was shot dead.
Senate staffers were warned on Thursday to stay away from the headquarters as police investigated the threat.
A DNC spokesperson has since confirmed the bomb threat "was determined to not be credible by the U.S. Capitol Police."
Sep 11, 2025 at 02:03 PM EDT
FBI cancels press conference due to ‘rapid developments in our investigation’
The FBI has canceled its press conference, originally set for 2.45 p.m. ET on Thursday, due to "rapid developments in our investigation."
Sep 11, 2025 at 01:57 PM EDT
JD Vance to fly Kirk’s casket and family home from Utah on Air Force Two
Vice President JD Vance will fly Charlie Kirk's casket, and his family from Utah to Arizona aboard Air Force Two, the Associated Press reports.
Vance has canceled his plans to attend a September 11 memorial event in New York City, to instead fly to Utah, with his wife Usha, to meet with Kirk's family and close friends, a source told AP.
They will then all fly Kirk's casket aboard Air Force Two, back to the conservative commentator's home in Arizona.
Temporary flight restrictions were issued earlier Thursday ahead of Vance's arrival.
Sep 11, 2025 at 01:45 PM EDT
Who is Laura Sosh-Lightsy? MTSU dean fired over Charlie Kirk posts
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Dean Laura Sosh-Lightsy was fired over her social media posts about Charlie Kirk following his fatal shooting.
According to the school's website, Sosh-Lightsy joined MTSU in 2004 with more than two decades of experience in student development.
Sosh-Lightsy's LinkedIn page states she was the assistant dean of students at MTSU and previously attended Western Kentucky University.
President Sidney A. McPhee announced Thursday that he has fired an employee for making "callous and insensitive comments on Facebook."
Sosh-Lightsy's social media comments about Kirk quickly came to light after they were shared by Sen. Marsha Blackburn who reposted them on Wednesday, calling for her removal.
In the reposted comment, Sosh-Lightsy wrote that "hate begets hate" and that she had "ZERO sympathy" following the shooting.
Sep 11, 2025 at 01:34 PM EDT
WATCH: Donald Trump to award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Sep 11, 2025 at 01:34 PM EDT
MTSU fires employee over ‘callous’ comments on Facebook after Kirk’s death
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) President Sidney A. McPhee announced that he has fired an employee for making "callous and insensitive comments on Facebook" in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death.
"It was the exact opposite of what we would expect from anyone who represents our university to students and the public," McPhee wrote in a statement.
McPhee wrote, in a statement that MTSU takes "great pride in a campus that is truly a marketplace of ideas" adding that "we respect and value differences of opinion and freedom of expression."
But he said that the employee's comments "make her ineligible to work with students on their conduct."
"Speech can have consequences and her thoughtlessness and lack of empathy mean that no one walking into her office can see her as an objective arbiter of facts," he added. "This action has badly disrupted and undermined the university, so we have taken the appropriate steps."
McPhee confirmed that the employee who was terminated had a leadership role in the Office of Student Care and Conduct, overseeing student behavioral matters.
Sep 11, 2025 at 01:16 PM EDT
Unverified ATF report suggests ideological engravings on ammunition in Kirk case
A preliminary internal report from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) indicates that ammunition recovered with the rifle used in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk may have been engraved with messages referencing transgender and anti-fascist ideology.
The rifle, a bolt-action weapon found in a wooded area near Utah Valley University, is undergoing forensic analysis.
However, a senior law enforcement official cautioned that ATF analysts have not verified the report and may contain inaccuracies. Some portions of the bulletin may contain unconfirmed "bits of evidence," the source told Newsweek.
The official noted that such internal summaries are often circulated early in investigations and can include both confirmed and speculative details. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the engravings, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Sep 11, 2025 at 01:15 PM EDT
MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd fired following Charlie Kirk commentary
MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd has been fired after he discussed what he called Charlie Kirk "hateful words" following the conservative commentator's death.
Dowd said on-air that Kirk had made "hateful words" that can lead to "hateful actions."
He later apologized and said he had in no way meant that Kirk was responsible for the shooting, but he was let go by the network.
MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler later wrote on X that Down's comments were "inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable."
"We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise," she said.
Dowd is not the only reporter to have career repercussions over their reporting of Kirk's death.
A Floridapolitics.com reporter was suspended for texting a congressman a question about gun control very shortly after Wednesday's attack.
Sep 11, 2025 at 01:14 PM EDT
Tulsi Gabbard mourns Charlie Kirk, suggests attack was meant to silence him
U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard paid tribute to Charlie Kirk following his assassination, calling him "one of a kind" and a "courageous soul" who "truly loved our country." In a public statement, Gabbard expressed heartbreak for Kirk's wife, Erika, and their children, saying, "So many of us lost a dear friend."
Sep 11, 2025 at 12:56 PM EDT
ZOA president mourns ‘personal friend and ally’ Kirk
Zionist Organization Of America (ZOA) President Morton "Mort" Klein has mourned Charlie Kirk, calling him a "great man, a personal friend and an ally who loved Israel and the Jewish people."
Klein said that Kirk had agreed to speak at upcoming ZOA national gala and was "looking forward to addressing our strong Zionist audience."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie's family during this time," he added.
Sep 11, 2025 at 12:53 PM EDT
FBI offers $100,000 reward for information leading to arrest of suspect
The FBI has announced it will provide up to $100,000 for information that helps law enforcement identify and arrest the individual or individuals responsible for the assassination of conservative Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck during an event on Wednesday at Utah Valley University. While two individuals were previously detained by authorities in connection with the investigation, both were ultimately released after questioning.
"The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual(s) responsible for the murder of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah," the bureau said in a post on X.
Sep 11, 2025 at 12:52 PM EDT
FBI releases images of person of interest in Charlie Kirk assassination
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The FBI on Thursday released two surveillance images of a person of interest in the investigation into the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The release signals that facial recognition efforts have not yielded a match, prompting officials to seek public assistance.
The grainy photos show a man wearing a baseball cap, dark sunglasses, and a black long-sleeve shirt featuring what appears to be an American flag graphic. One image captures the individual walking up a stairwell—consistent with earlier reports that the shooter accessed a rooftop before firing a single shot that killed Kirk during a campus event at Utah Valley University.
Sep 11, 2025 at 12:38 PM EDT
Stephen Miller says ideology with ‘insatiable thirst for destruction’ growing in America
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has claimed there is an ideology of hate, with an "insatiable thirst for destruction" growing in America.
"We see the workings of this ideology in every posting online cheering the evil assassination that cruelly robbed this nation of one of its greatest men," Miller wrote on X.
"Postings from those in positions of institutional authority — educators, healthcare workers, therapists, government employees — reveling in the vile and the sinister with the most chilling glee."
Sep 11, 2025 at 12:37 PM EDT
NYC leaders link Kirk assassination to broader threats at 9/11 memorial
During the September 11 remembrance ceremony at Ground Zero, New York City Mayor Eric Adams drew a stark connection between the terrorist attacks of 2001 and the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. "The same hate that took down the towers, that's the hate that took the life of Charlie Kirk," Adams said, urging Americans to educate younger generations about both foreign and domestic threats.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch also addressed the killing, calling political violence "tragic" and expressing concern for the safety of mass gatherings, including the 9/11 memorial itself. "My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Kirk and his family," she told WPIX, adding that heightened security measures were in place.
Sep 11, 2025 at 12:24 PM EDT
Utah Democrats urge event cancellations amid threats following Kirk shooting
Utah Democratic leaders are calling on state lawmakers to cancel public events scheduled for the weekend after receiving a wave of threatening messages in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination. Representative Angela Romero, the House minority leader, described the voicemails as "angry and menacing," and said she had already canceled her own plans for a redistricting canvass.
"It's jarring," Romero told reporters, emphasizing the need for caution as tensions rise statewide. The appeal reflects growing concern over political safety following the fatal shooting at Utah Valley University, which has triggered a nationwide manhunt and intensified scrutiny of public discourse.
Sep 11, 2025 at 12:17 PM EDT
Lindsey Graham calls Kirk’s shooting a ‘tragic day for America’
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham has called the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk a "tragic day for America."
Graham, who was speaking at a bipartisan news conference on Russian and Belarusian aggression on Thursday, said that Kirk was one of "the leading voices in the MAGA world" who had been "assassinated."
"He organized campuses to spread conservatism on our side of the aisle. We we saw him as a great force," Graham said as he opened the news conference.
"I think Democrats, whether they agreed with him or not, understand that this is not the way you have discourse in the country. And we're just here as a group to say America cannot govern itself this way. We all have to speak with one voice and find the person who did this and bring them to justice."
Sep 11, 2025 at 12:13 PM EDT
IN PICTURES: FBI releases photos of person of interest in Kirk shooting
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The FBI has released images of a person of interest wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The agency's Salt Lake City office has asked for help in identifying the individual as federal and state authorities intensify their search for the gunman.
Anyone who recognizes the person of interest, is urged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Sep 11, 2025 at 11:57 AM EDT
Trump to speak with Kirk’s family, vows further remarks on tragedy
Following a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon to mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, President Donald Trump told reporters he plans to speak with Charlie Kirk's family later Thursday.
Expressing disbelief over Kirk's assassination, Trump said, "I can't believe Charlie—what a great guy he was," and added that he would have more to say about the tragedy in due course.
Sep 11, 2025 at 11:54 AM EDT
Sen. Mike Lee says Charlie Kirk’s death ‘hits home’
Republican Utah Sen. Mike Lee said the death of his friend Charlie Kirk "hits home."
Speaking at a hearing Thursday of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Lee said he had been close with the conservative commentator and the pair spoke regularly, "sometimes several times a day."
Lee said the loss of his friend was "particularly hard" but the shooting also "hits home particularly heavy with me" because Utah Valley University is near where he grew up and now lives.
"And this is a safe place. Not the kind of place where you expect something like this to happen. It's truly tragic."
Sep 11, 2025 at 11:47 AM EDT
WATCH: Latest on the shooting
Sep 11, 2025 at 11:39 AM EDT
Recap: Manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s killer continues as investigators uncover key evidence
Authorities have uncovered extensive details about the gunman who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, but his current location remains unknown. Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said Thursday that investigators have reviewed "good video" of the suspect and tracked his movements before and after the shooting.
The assailant arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m. Wednesday and "blended in well," appearing to be of college age. He accessed a rooftop via stairwells and fired from a concealed position. After the attack, he fled across the building, jumped down, and escaped into a nearby neighborhood.
Investigators have canvassed the area, reviewing footage from doorbell cameras and speaking with residents. A high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon was recovered in a wooded area. FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls confirmed the collection of a footwear impression, palm print, and forearm imprints for forensic analysis.
Bohls emphasized that the shooting was a targeted act and said the broader community is not at risk. He declined to confirm whether the FBI has identified the suspect by name. The investigation remains active.
Sep 11, 2025 at 11:30 AM EDT
Trump admin issues Charlie Kirk warning to foreign nationals
A top State Department official warned foreign nationals in the U.S. that anybody glorifying the killing of influential conservative activist Charlie Kirk is not welcome in the country and will face "appropriate action".
"In light of yesterday's horrific assassination of a leading political figure, I want to underscore that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country," Christopher Landau, deputy secretary of state, posted to X.
"I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light of the event, and have directed our consular officials to undertake appropriate action.
"Please feel free to bring such comments by foreigners to my attention so that the @StateDept can protect the American people."
Sep 11, 2025 at 11:26 AM EDT
Rep. Van Orden tells media they’re responsible for Charlie Kirk’s death
Rep. Derrick Van Orden told reporters that the media, "every one of you," is responsible for Charlie Kirk's death.
"You are responsible for this, because you are echoing the horrifically horrible political violent rhetoric produced by the Democrat Party," he said.
When confronted about the accusations, when the identity of the shooter is still unknown.
"You know what, knock it off," Orden responded.
Sep 11, 2025 at 11:23 AM EDT
UVU alum reflects on missed chance to question Charlie Kirk before fatal shooting
Tyler Teasdale, a 2019 graduate of Utah Valley University, had planned to ask Charlie Kirk a pointed question about housing affordability during Wednesday's campus event. Instead, he witnessed the chaos that followed Kirk's assassination.
Teasdale, a 28-year-old real estate broker, told Newsweek he had prepared a question about the GOP's stance on homeownership and its impact on young voters. "I wanted to ask him his thoughts about the unaffordability of home ownership for younger kids," he said. But as he parked his car, gunfire erupted. His brother, Seth, was just 30 feet from the stage.
Teasdale saw Kirk being rushed into an SUV at high speed, unaware at the time of the gravity of the situation. "It was just a crowd of screaming people, crying," he recalled. He ran toward the scene to find his brother, who was unharmed.
Seth Teasdale, who graduated from UVU in 2022, said he was 30 to 40 feet away from Kirk when he was shot. He's now considering seeing a mental health professional.
"It really hit me, because I couldn't sleep," Seth Teasdale told Newsweek. "I couldn't stop replaying what happened. It's just terrifying."
The experience left Teasdale shaken. "It's horrifying, it's disgusting," he said of the violence at his alma mater. He had admired Kirk's willingness to engage in open dialogue. "He was trying to incite a discussion rather than violence."
Sep 11, 2025 at 11:18 AM EDT
Trump reacts to FBI update on manhunt
President Donald Trump has reacted to the latest from the FBI manhunt and investigation.
"They have a virtual manhunt out there, so we'll see what happens," Trump yold reporters on Thursday. "But we hope we get him."
Sep 11, 2025 at 11:11 AM EDT
Rep. Davison condemns ‘dehumanizing rhetoric’ on the left
Rep. Warren Davidson has condemned the "dehumanizing rhetoric" on the left in the wake of the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.
"I mean, this has been—[Charlie Kirk] called out in April—April 7 post that he put on Twitter or X talking about assassination culture and the views on the left, saying more than half of the country thinks that it would be OK to murder Elon Musk and more than half thought that it was OK to murder President Trump," he said on CNN.
"And the kind of dehumanizing rhetoric that once they lose the debate -- people are—they can't just engage in facts and reason. It has to be, you know, insults— like, well, this person must be a racist or a bigot or a misogynist or whatever. A Christian nationalist, you know.
"They even created MAGA to- any way to dehumanize people. And then yesterday, unfortunately, lots of people were celebrating Charlie Kirk's murder and assassination. And let's be clear, those people would celebrate the murder of me and many of my colleagues. That's what in their heart. That's not what Charlie Kirk was giving back to those people but that's what was directed at him, and that's what's directed at a lot of people today. So where does that need to go? Well, the people that are -- that are working to dehumanize their countrymen because we disagree about the politics, whether it's we disagree about our faith, the size of the government, the scope of the government, or just a complete level of irrationality when the name Donald Trump is mentioned."
Sep 11, 2025 at 11:10 AM EDT
Deputy Secretary of State condemns foreign praise of Kirk assassination
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau issued a sharp rebuke Thursday to foreign nationals who have publicly celebrated or downplayed the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In a post on X, Landau said such individuals are "not welcome visitors to our country" and confirmed he has directed consular officials to take appropriate action.
"I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light of the event," Landau wrote. He encouraged the public to report such comments to the State Department, stating that the agency is committed to protecting the American people.
Sep 11, 2025 at 10:56 AM EDT
Melissa Hortman’s assassination resurfaces amid Charlie Kirk shooting fallout
The assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman has returned to public attention following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Hortman and her husband were killed in their home earlier this year by a masked gunman dressed as a police officer, in what Governor Tim Walz described as "targeted political violence."
After Kirk's death at Utah Valley University, social media users began drawing parallels between the two incidents, questioning partisan responses to political violence. Some posts criticized conservatives for mourning Kirk while allegedly ignoring Hortman's killing, though those claims remain unverified.
Sep 11, 2025 at 10:43 AM EDT
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth honors Charlie Kirk during 9/11 Pentagon ceremony
At a solemn ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth paid tribute to Charlie Kirk, calling him a symbol of enduring American values. Speaking from the Pentagon courtyard alongside President Donald Trump and General Dan Caine, Hegseth drew a parallel between Kirk's legacy and the sacrifices made on 9/11.
"We suffered. We endured. And today, we stand in hope," Hegseth said, reflecting on the nation's resilience. He praised the courage of young service members and first responders, adding that Kirk's life and death as a "Christ-follower and American patriot" offered similar inspiration.
"Like those on 9/11, you will never be forgotten," Hegseth concluded, as tributes to Kirk continued to pour in from across the political spectrum.
Sep 11, 2025 at 10:27 AM EDT
Mother defends son questioned in Kirk shooting, urges public to avoid harassment
Juliette Qureshi, the mother of Zachariah Qureshi, 25, spoke out after her son was publicly linked to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Zachariah, who was interviewed by the FBI and later cleared, had attended the event because he admired Kirk, said his mother, per NBC News. "He likes him. He went to a Turning Point leadership conference in Detroit," she said.
Zachariah was reportedly about 25 feet from the stage when the gunshot rang out. Initially, he thought the sound might have been a firecracker. "For a second, it was unclear if it was part of the event," his mother said. He was quickly rushed away and did not witness any blood.
After his name surfaced online, the family received threats, despite his release and confirmation from authorities that he had no connection to the shooting. Utah officials acknowledged that persons of interest had been questioned and released, and urged the public to respect the investigative process.
"They don't deserve that harassment," said Utah DPS Commissioner Beau Mason. "We ask the public to be patient." Qureshi added that her family is "devastated for Charlie Kirk's family."
Sep 11, 2025 at 10:14 AM EDT
Trump to posthumously award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom
During remarks at the Pentagon on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, President Donald Trump announced he will posthumously award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The honor, considered the nation's highest civilian award, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American life in areas such as public service, culture, and national security.
Trump praised Kirk's influence on conservative youth and his commitment to free speech, calling him "Great, and even Legendary" in a statement following the activist's death.
In his first term, Trump awarded the medal to several prominent figures, including conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh. The date of Kirk's formal recognition has not yet been announced.
Sep 11, 2025 at 10:01 AM EDT
Officials say Kirk shooter ‘blended in’
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said Thursday that the suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk "blended in" with the campus environment and "appears to be of college age."
The individual remains at large, but investigators have developed new images overnight after analyzing video footage from the scene.
Sep 11, 2025 at 09:48 AM EDT
Where Charlie Kirk was shot
A video recorded from inside a nearby building at Utah Valley University appears to show a figure sprinting across the roof of the Losee Center just seconds after Charlie Kirk was shot during a campus event.
The footage captures the individual moving swiftly across the rooftop, located approximately 100 to 200 yards from the site of the attack.
Sep 11, 2025 at 09:35 AM EDT
Scalise urges unity, warns against normalizing political violence after Kirk’s death
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise condemned the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on Thursday, calling it a disturbing sign of political discourse turning dangerous. In an interview on CBS Mornings, Scalise said, "We cannot let what happened yesterday be the norm," and emphasized that disagreements should be resolved through democratic means, not violence.
Reflecting on his own experience surviving a politically motivated shooting in 2017, Scalise said the tragedy brought back painful memories. "It was hard to focus" on the House floor, he admitted, as his thoughts returned to Kirk's family and the congressional baseball practice attack that nearly claimed his life.
Scalise praised Kirk's willingness to engage in civil debate, even with critics, and urged Americans to embrace ideological differences without resorting to threats or harm. "Celebrate the fact that we have differences," he said. "Don't allow anybody to try to physically attack somebody for their differences."
Sep 11, 2025 at 09:26 AM EDT
Authorities say community not at risk as manhunt for Kirk’s killer continues
Law enforcement officials confirmed Thursday that the gunman who killed Charlie Kirk is no longer in the wooded area where he initially fled after the shooting at Utah Valley University. The FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety emphasized that the attack was targeted and that the broader community is not believed to be at risk.
"We are doing everything we can to find him," said Bohl, noting that investigators have obtained images of the suspect but are withholding details to protect the integrity of the case. Authorities also acknowledged uncertainty about how far the suspect may have traveled since the shooting.
Sep 11, 2025 at 09:23 AM EDT
FBI intensifies search for Charlie Kirk’s killer, cites over 130 tips
Special Agent Robert Bohls of the FBI's Salt Lake City field office said Thursday that federal investigators are working "nonstop" to identify and apprehend the person responsible for the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. "We will relentlessly pursue this case and the shooter," Bohls said, calling the attack a "heinous crime."
Authorities confirmed that a high-powered bolt-action rifle was recovered in a wooded area near the suspected escape route. Investigators also collected a footwear imprint, which is undergoing forensic analysis. Bohls emphasized that all leads are being followed, with more than 130 tips submitted to the FBI in a single day.
"The FBI's mission is to protect the American people," Bohls said, stressing the agency's commitment to uncovering both the identity and motive behind the killing. The manhunt remains active.
Bohls also appealed to the public to send in any information they may have.
Sep 11, 2025 at 09:17 AM EDT
FBI now giving update
The Utah FBI is giving an update on the shooting death of Charlie Kirk.
Sep 11, 2025 at 09:09 AM EDT
Israel honors Charlie Kirk as ally and defender of shared values
The official account of the State of Israel paid tribute to Charlie Kirk following his assassination at Utah Valley University, calling him "a steadfast friend of Israel and a true ally of the Jewish people."
Sep 11, 2025 at 08:56 AM EDT
FBI opens tip line as manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s killer intensifies
Federal authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information related to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed on Wednesday during a campus event at Utah Valley University.
The FBI's Salt Lake City field office has established a dedicated tip line as part of its expanding investigation.
The appeal follows the release of two individuals who were detained for questioning shortly after the shooting. The suspect remains at large, and the manhunt continues with complete federal and state resources deployed.
Sep 11, 2025 at 08:43 AM EDT
About Erika Kirk
Erika Kirk, wife of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has remained publicly silent since her husband was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Known for her outspoken faith and advocacy alongside Kirk, she posted a Bible verse shortly after the shooting: "Psalm 46:1 — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
A former Miss Arizona and host of a Christian podcast, Erika Kirk often appeared with her husband at Turning Point USA events, where they promoted traditional family values and encouraged young conservatives to prioritize marriage. The couple married in 2021 and have two young children, whose names they kept private.
Charlie Kirk frequently described Erika as the "love of his life" and "spiritual head of the family." At a rally in May, she introduced him as "bold when the world demands silence." It remains unclear whether she and their children were present at the Utah event, though Senator Markwayne Mullin has said they were.
Sep 11, 2025 at 08:29 AM EDT
Utah universities respond with condolences and safety measures after Kirk shooting
Following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, nearby institutions have issued public statements expressing sympathy and pledging support for students affected by the tragedy.
The University of Utah called the incident "deeply disturbing" and confirmed that public safety officials are working to bolster campus security, including increased patrols at upcoming events. The university also said it is extending resources to both its own students and those from UVU who attended Kirk's event.
Brigham Young University offered prayers for Kirk's family, friends, and the UVU community, and announced plans to enhance police presence on its campus. Southern Utah University echoed those sentiments, stating that its "deepest condolences" go to Kirk's loved ones and reaffirming that student safety remains its highest priority.
Sep 11, 2025 at 08:16 AM EDT
FBI and Utah officials to brief public on Charlie Kirk manhunt
Federal and state authorities will hold a press conference on Thursday morning to provide updates on the ongoing search for the suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination. The briefing is scheduled for 7 a.m. local time in Utah (9 a.m. ET), with appearances from the FBI Special Agent in Charge and Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason.
Since Wednesday evening, officials have released limited information. Two individuals were detained for questioning but later released, with no confirmed ties to the shooting. Investigators say they are analyzing surveillance footage from Utah Valley University that shows a figure dressed entirely in black near the scene. The manhunt remains active.
Sep 11, 2025 at 08:03 AM EDT
TMZ apologizes after viral clip sparks outrage over Charlie Kirk coverage
TMZ faced swift backlash on Wednesday after a livestream clip appeared to show staffers laughing and clapping moments before the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk was confirmed on air. The incident occurred as TMZ founder Harvey Levin was reporting Kirk's assassination at Utah Valley University, shortly after President Trump publicly announced the death.
Social media erupted with criticism, accusing the outlet of reacting inappropriately to the tragedy. In a video statement, Levin and executive producer Charles Latibeaudiere clarified that the background noise came from staff watching a car chase in a separate room. "They were not laughing, reacting that way about Charlie Kirk's assassination," Levin said. "They would not work here if they did."
Latibeaudiere acknowledged the timing was "horrible" and offered a public apology. Both producers stressed their understanding of the public's reaction and reiterated that no one was celebrating Kirk's death.
Sep 11, 2025 at 07:49 AM EDT
JD Vance to visit Kirk’s family in Utah
Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance will travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, to pay respects to the family of Charlie Kirk, NBC News said, citing a source familiar with the plans.
The Vances had originally planned to attend a 9/11 observance in New York City.
Sep 11, 2025 at 07:35 AM EDT
Charlie Kirk shooting sparks bipartisan outcry amid rising political violence
The fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has drawn swift condemnation from across the political spectrum. President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff and issued a presidential proclamation, while Democratic leaders joined Republican allies in denouncing the attack.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who previously hosted Kirk on his podcast, called the shooting "disgusting, vile, and reprehensible." Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, herself a survivor of political violence, expressed heartbreak and extended condolences to Kirk's family.
The incident adds to a troubling pattern of politically motivated attacks, including the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband, the firebombing of a Colorado parade, and arson at the Pennsylvania governor's residence. Last year's shooting of Trump at a campaign rally remains the most high-profile example.
Former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz, present at the event, criticized the lack of security surrounding Kirk.
Sep 11, 2025 at 07:22 AM EDT
Charlie Kirk’s final post before Utah shooting focused on Ukrainian refugee’s murder
Prior to his death, Charlie Kirk posted a final message on X condemning the murder of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee killed in an unprovoked attack on a Charlotte, North Carolina train last month.
Kirk called the crime "one of the coldest, most senseless murders I have ever seen," and urged followers to politicize the tragedy, blaming lenient criminal justice policies for allowing the suspect—who reportedly had 14 prior offenses—to remain free.
"It's 100% necessary to politicize the senseless murder of Iryna Zarutska," he wrote. "It was politics that allowed a savage monster... to kill her."
Sep 11, 2025 at 07:09 AM EDT
WATCH: Republicans react to Charlie Kirk’s death, Nancy Mace says ‘Democrats own this 100%’
Sep 11, 2025 at 06:20 AM EDT
Charlie Kirk’s killing looked like “professional hit”: Security expert
The shooting of Charlie Kirk had the hallmarks of a professional assassination, according to several security experts.
Analysts point to the firing of a single shot and a preestablished escape route as evidence that the shooting had been carefully planned.
Former FBI Agent Stuart Kaplan said the shooter likely put a lot of preparation into the attack, telling Fox News' Jesse Watters it looked to be a "very well planned, very well orchestrated plot that was put in motion days before."
"This individual had a plan of escape to elude detection of being out on a rooftop, and also being able to evade and elude law enforcement," added Kaplan.
"This assassination of Charlie Kirk to me is indicative of a professional hit, and I'm not so sure we are quickly going to be able to apprehend this individual without some luck."
Read the full story by Newsweek's Theo Burman.
Sep 11, 2025 at 04:50 AM EDT
Video shows dark figure running on UVU rooftop after Charlie Kirk shooting
Video footage that shows a figure in dark clothing running along the rooftop of UVU's Losee Center after Charlie Kirk was shot is catching attention on social media.
It is not clear if the individual is the shooter or someone unrelated to the incident.
But authorities have said Kirk was shot from a rooftop by a suspect wearing dark clothes, matching what is shown in the video footage.
A separate video circulating online from another angle shows a person in dark clothing lying down on the corner of the roof before the shooting.
Sep 11, 2025 at 04:30 AM EDT
“Numb” Lara Trump pays tribute to Charlie Kirk with picture post on X
Sep 11, 2025 at 04:21 AM EDT
Map shows layout of Charlie Kirk shooting scene at UVU campus
Newsweek's John Feng has put together a map of the scene of Charlie Kirk's shooting, including a rooftop suspected to be the location of the person who shot him, who remains at large amid an FBI-led manhunt.
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